Chekhov left an extraordinary legacy to the modern understanding of prose as well as modern theatre acting technique.It is very difficult to date a Chekhov short story simply because it has such a spare modern touch which could have been penned only yesterday.A steady confiding style allied to extracting all heroic tendencies of the character in question gives his writing style a grace textured with a down to earth humane quality that brings such a endearing rapport with the reader.
A reading of any selected story will unearth a rich seam from which the reader can identify the founding heritage and keystone link for what one reads in Hemingway or Woolf or Joyce.All the ingredients , as well as exquisitely sculptured execution of their signature styles are there to see in the spare modest prose of Chekhov.
The website below has a systematic chronological archive of the short stories he wrote , including an indication of which stories to read first for anyone approaching his work for the first time.The stories are in full in you click on the blue indented highlighted links.
In the field of drama , Chekhov took the concepts of the short story to produce plays that capture the spiritual undertones of the characters in seemingly mundane situations that list with no observable directions.From the method acting of Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro to the stage directions of Tennessee Williams and Harold Pintor , the foundations and grounding are there to see in the plays of Chekhov.
Below is a high calibre production of his renowned classic play Cherry Orchard starring a young Judi Dench and classic Shakespearean legend John Gielgud and the great Dame Peggy Ashcroft.
On page 98 we have typical exchange for a Chekhov short story:
" It is false ; indifference is the paralysis of the Soul ; it is premature Death."
Further on we find When you want to understand someone " consider not actions ,in which everything is relative but the desires."
" Tell me what you want , and i will tell what manner of man you are."
The early career of Chekhov was in the field of sharp biting satire , on page 151 we find he has not lost his skillful touch " ...we will have nothing but a head and a moustache..."
By page 310 the later Philosopher sage of Human nature is on display " granted that a Mans peace and contentment lie not outside but inside himself."
And on page 398 we have his humble view on Art and Culture itself in An Artists Story " its true we are not saving Humanity , and perhaps we make a great many mistakes ; but we do what we can , and we are right.The Highest and Holiest task for a Human Being is to serve his neighbours , and we try to serve him the best we can.....but one cant please everyone."
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