Books of Some Substance 94 - Anton Chekhov's Difficult People (Guest: Bob Blaisdell)
Feb 28, 2023
Bob Blaisdell, a Professor of English and Chekhov expert, shares fascinating insights about Anton Chekhov's story, Difficult People. He explores Chekhov's unique voice and how it resonates with true readers, contrasting it with his letters. The conversation dives into themes of insincerity and unresolved familial conflicts within the story. Blaisdell also discusses the economic realities that shaped Chekhov’s writing and his innovative use of ellipses. This enlightening discussion sheds light on Chekhov’s rapid productivity and his impact on literature.
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Quiet, Sensory Storytelling
- Chekhov's voice in stories is quiet and impressionistic, tuning readers to place, smell, and small gestures.
- That subtlety requires attentive reading rather than loud authorial projection.
Letters Versus Fiction Voice
- Chekhov's letters reveal a strong, personal voice distinct from his reserved fiction voice.
- The letters show a more direct, lively Chekhov than the impressionistic narrator in his stories.
Summary Of Difficult People
- Difficult People depicts a farming family where routine money requests trigger explosive conflicts.
- The son storms out, imagines Moscow adventures, fails to get a train, and returns to more family friction.
