Chekhov Shorts: A Happy Man

Title: A Happy Man
Date Read: 20th April 2010
Briefly: Having lost his whereabouts on a train headed for Petersburg, Ivan Alexyevitch enters a carriage occupied by five passengers. Soon recognised by one of the five as an old friend, Ivan begins to share his excitement at having just got married. As his mood lifts to the point of euphoric, the general mood in the carriage turns more and more joyous.
Afterthoughts: This is a tale of comedy from Chekhov which ends with a clever little twist. I wouldn’t say that this one stands out as one of Anton’s funniest stories ever, but it certainly is an entertaining one.
Notable Quote: The passengers, looking at the tipsy and blissful bridegroom, are infected by his cheerfulness and no longer feel sleepy. Instead of one listener, Ivan Alexyevitch has now an audience of five. He wriggles and splutters, gesticulates, and prattles on without ceasing. He laughs and they all laugh.

Rating:

*Story read as part of my Checkin’ Off The Chekhov Shorts reading challenge.

April 20, 2010 By Rob Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Checkin Off the Chekhov Shorts, Short Fiction, short stories, Short Story Reviews Tagged With: Anton Chekhov, Checkin Off the Chekhov Shorts, russian literature, short story review

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