At a Summer Villa
The eight-year itch.
You kind of have to feel sorry for Pavel Ivanitch Vyhodtsev, don't you? Okay, so he's a bit of a hypocrite. Who isn't?
His wife does play a dirty trick on him.
Yes, if he's truly happily married and receives a note asking for a rendezvous-- he shouldn't go, right? Except his wife very well knows he will go -- otherwise she would have tried another trick. How many men receiving such an inviting request while relaxing in a summer villa wouldn't at least be curious? You have to be curious. And if you're curious and it's only a short walk to the arbour -- why not go? It's human nature, isn't it?
Pavel Ivanitch is a very luck guy. He has a wife who has his number. She will take good care of him and guard him against his own worst instincts. Let's just hope he appreciates all her fine work.
Having just read A Pink Stocking about a wife who doesn't get the respect she deserves, it's nice to read here about a strong woman who knows how to maneuver the game in her favor.
Chekhov brilliantly adds to the story a confrontation between Pavel Ivanitch and his brother-in-law, Mitya, at the arbour. A perfect conflict and extremely hilarious.
You know -- he could be a great playwright!
You are doing a wonderful job with all the Chekhov stories posted, specially "At the Arbour"-a story about a strong wife who knows her husband so well probably better than himself. I'm sure many women could identify with her character. More power to you!!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the title. I am referring rather to "At the Summer Villa" and not "At the Arbour". Don't know where I got that title.
ReplyDeleteChekhov is full of sense of humour! I have been fortunate to come across with some of his earlier work before he got that advise to write serious stories. The guy is a master comedian!
ReplyDeleteI searched for "History of a Business Enterprise," a part of "Fifty-Two Stories" by Anton Chekhov Copyright 2020 by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. I'm surprised it isn't amongst your readings. Oh well, I'll search further on the internet. It's odd this story was selected for one of the 52 (one a week) and never summarized by you. I'm listening to it as well as reading it with the in sync method found when you purchase a Kindle version then check the box for Audible as well so it scrolls as it's read. Totally cool. ~Kathryn
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