Algor Cards

Anton Chekhov: A Literary Giant

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short-story writer, is known for his significant contributions to literature and theatre. Born into a family with humble origins, he faced financial struggles yet managed to support his education through writing. Chekhov's medical background deeply influenced his literary works, which often addressed human suffering and the complexities of life. His major plays, such as 'The Seagull' and 'The Cherry Orchard,' brought about theatrical innovations, while his portrayal of the human condition remains universally relatable.

The Early Years of Anton Chekhov

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, a renowned Russian playwright and short-story writer, was born on January 29, 1860, in Taganrog, Russia. He was the third of six children in a family with humble beginnings; his grandfather had been a serf. Chekhov's father owned a small grocery store but was a tyrannical figure, and the family endured financial hardship, culminating in bankruptcy. This led to the family relocating to Moscow, while Anton remained in Taganrog to finish his schooling. To support himself, he took on various jobs and began writing to pay for his education. His early literary work was influenced by great authors such as Ivan Turgenev, Miguel de Cervantes, and Arthur Schopenhauer. Chekhov's first significant work was the play "Platonov" (often referred to as "Fatherless"), and he continued to write short humorous pieces for magazines like 'Oskolki' ('Fragments').
Vintage wooden desk with intricate carvings, quill pen, glass inkwell, hardcover book, and round eyeglasses in a softly lit, blurred historical setting.

Chekhov as a Physician and Writer

Anton Chekhov completed his medical degree in 1884 and worked as a physician, a profession he often referred to as his lawful wife, while literature was his mistress. He treated the poor free of charge, believing in the importance of compassion in medicine. His literary career evolved as he began to write more serious works, despite suffering from tuberculosis, a condition he kept concealed from his family for a long time. His literary achievements include the novella "The Steppe," which won him the Pushkin Prize, and his first serious full-length play, "Ivanov." Chekhov's trip to the penal colony on the island of Sakhalin resulted in the sociological study "The Island of Sakhalin," which provided a detailed account of life in the penal colony and reflected his concerns for human rights.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

The celebrated Russian writer, ______ ______ ______, was born on January 29, 1860, in the Russian city of ______.

Anton

Pavlovich

Chekhov

Taganrog

01

Before achieving literary fame, Chekhov supported his studies by writing and doing various jobs, as his family faced ______ and moved to ______.

bankruptcy

Moscow

02

Chekhov's view on medicine and compassion

Treated poor for free, saw compassion as crucial in medicine.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword