Chekhov question...

[reader2121]

What are a few central themes of his short stories?

I know O'Henry has the "twist" endings, albeit that's not a theme, more of a technique.

[President Camacho]

I have two Chekhov books full of stories I've yet to read. :/

[Suzanne]

His audience demanded laughter above all things, and, with his deep sense of the ridiculous, Chekhov asked nothing better. His stories, though often based on themes profoundly tragic, are penetrated by the light and subtle satire that has won him his reputation as a great humourist. But though there was always a smile on his lips, it was a tender one, and his sympathy with suffering often brought his laughter near to tears.

http://www.theatrehistory.com/russian/chekhov001.html

Like many Russian writers whose work reflect the struggles of the poor and downtrodden, whether financially or emotionally, Chekhov is no exception. He had a very keen eye and his characters are fully developed. To truly appreciate Chekhov you may want to read a few of his plays. The characters in his plays as well as his short stories show the strength and strong will that many Russian authors attribute to their nationality and pass along to their characters. "The Cherry Orchard" is excellent. But any book of his short stories will give you a sense of his writing style.

[reader2121]

thanks for your thoughts.

[Rita McBride]

His audience demanded laughter above all things, and, with his deep sense of the ridiculous, Chekhov asked nothing better. His stories, though often based on themes profoundly tragic, are penetrated by the light and subtle satire that has won him his reputation as a great humourist. But though there was always a smile on his lips, it was a tender one, and his sympathy with suffering often brought his laughter near to tears.

http://www.theatrehistory.com/russian/chekhov001.html

Like many Russian writers whose work reflect the struggles of the poor and downtrodden, whether financially or emotionally, Chekhov is no exception. He had a very keen eye and his characters are fully developed. To truly appreciate Chekhov you may want to read a few of his plays. The characters in his plays as well as his short stories show the strength and strong will that many Russian authors attribute to their nationality and pass along to their characters. "The Cherry Orchard" is excellent. But any book of his short stories will give you a sense of his writing style.

Very true. I wonder, though, if he had a real writing style? Some of his short stories were very humorous, while others, and especially his novels, were tragedies.