Tolstoy told Chekhov to his face that “Shakespeare was a terrible writer, you your plays are worse” (as a joke probably) but after Chekov’s death, Tolstoy said that Chekhov was a better writer than he.

'Congratulate me, I think I am losing my mind.' -Anton Chekhov

Chekhov's short stories are an astonishment! They have the ability of frightening us into questioning why our lives always seem so banal and flawed.

I was reading Chekhov for the first time yesterday. The impact his writing had on me. A short story spanning three pages, yet it was *full* of meaning. Not just that but he touches upon things you seldom read by others, even the greats. Things like sneezing all of a sudden. His writing is enough to make you seek out a lonely place, where you can dwell on his words. "Death of a Clerk" and "Small Fry" done that for me

I can’t believe I just found your channel!! I’m such a huge fan of Russian literature. I’ve been rereading all my favorites from Dostoevsky, Checkhov, Gogol, Tolstoy and Leskov. I’m literally preparing to binge watch your videos lol. I love Checkhov so much my favorite short story and 19th century writer next to Dostoevsky.

I'm about to take a class focusing on Chekov. Watching your video peaks my interest even more! Subscribed!

I love discovering hidden gems like your channel! I'll be staying for a while 😁✌🏻

I played Medvenko in Seagull in Australia this year with a production company Chaika. I must’ve slept through Chekhov at drama schoool when I failed Theatre history, I knew very little about Chekhov. I was called in last minute to replace an actor that had to pull out because he’d had his first baby. I must say I was lost and confused at the beginning, very worried that I must be wrong for the role, or I didn’t understand the story. But when I started becoming more curious about the other characters scenes and asking them questions about the characters they were playing, the story became more clear to me, and I could be more confident in bringing my experience and understanding and empathy to play the role. I had heard in passing as a young man that Australian actors find Chekhov much harder than Shakespeare. I believe that’s because such a high degree of honesty is required in the actors to play the roles, it can feel like an emotional washing machine where dishonesty gets punished. It was an extraordinary production, I felt very lucky to be a part of. If I had never performed in another play, I’m glad I took part in that one.

Sophia, your analysis of Chekhov's eccentric stories is immensely fulfilling and beautiful. Chekhov has a very special inhabitance in my heart, he is a friend who knows me more than I do. I love the way you express yourself and the conciseness of your expatiation. You seem like a true 'chekhovian' human being, to say the least. Love your work! And also, I find you quite attractive. (forgive me but I had to say it 😊😊😊)

wow, I absolutely loved the video. I like Czekhov, although read just first set of stories, Ward No 6, Black Monk and Woman's Lot I enjoyed the most... He describes the fate people are not able to escape, the turmoil, realizing nothing special will happen in their life, also the role of death, in my interpretation - when dr Ragin died, or a professor from the Black Monk, or story Murder. As if she was coming when a human finally experienced what was his homework to do in life, or as if death was necessary for a change. I am thinking of what next I want to take for a read (;

Thanks for the introduction! I've bought my first Chekhov's book and I'm enjoying the Russian literature. I've started from Dostoevsky and I'm anxious to begin my reading of all these short tales.

I too, like everyone, feel like writing something original, pouring my heart and soul out into describing the euphoric feeling of holding a highly processed tree thingy with something scribbled on it. Cool painting behind you I guess?

Such a well comstructed video!! Always forget about Chekhov, which is a shame, cause i love novellas and short stories. Would love to see you do this series on French, Brittish and/or American literature!

You present your case well. Thank you I enjoy him as well and many other Russian Authors. Keep making videos please

Great video. I just started reading Checkhov and I love his blend of humor with bigger themes.

On a short list of artists I deeply admire and look to for learning, courage and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about his work. "Let things that happen on stage be just as complex and yet just as simple as they are in life. For instance, people are having a meal, just having a meal, but at the same time their happiness is being created, or their lives are being smashed up." -- Anton Chekhov

Wonderful video! I now can't wait to read Chekhov! I love how you have us Tolstoy's thoughts.

So happy to meet another Chekhov lover, and you put into words many of the reasons why I love him. He's timeless, rich, and beautiful. My favourite short story the black monk has a strange, sympathetic quality that I've never seen captured anywhere else. His stories kept me company during lockdown and now I'm onto his plays - thank you for the video :)

I was doing some research about anton chekhov and I found your channel out of pure luck and you knoa what, I've watched a decent amount of your videos and I have to say amazing work! deserves a sub from me!

I love your channel

I am an avid fan of Chekhov. I read Henri Troyat’s biography of Chekhov and have read quite a few of his writings. And I must say your video is probably the best among the few I have watched so far. Congratulations. But only those who know what a great man and writer that Chekhov is can fully appreciate your summation. I still remember how agonised and heart broken Chekhov was when his best intentions were misrepresented in the staging of Cherry Orchard: he intended it to be a comedy on the verge of a farce when it was presented on stage as a fall of nobility and the crass rise of the commercial class!!! His fastidious fidelity to the spirit of man brought out in his stories and plays made him great and you have succeeded in suggesting this in your talk! Bravo.

Excellent introduction to chekhov better than any lit crit i've read.sophie creates an interest in us to read in an age when the internet and video games have killed reading

Loved these little explanations of his work and your bye at the end. Thank you for making easier for us beginners.

Thank you so much for shedding light! Now I know where to start :)

God I love Chekhov, you know when you're reading them they express a real truth that you can't always put in words and maybe shouldn't try.

Thanks. Very helpful video

Oh, so great! As a huge fan of Chekhov, I was so happy to see this. I love the analysis of the stories and the choices you made among so many stories. Really really good.

Thank you for this illuminating and succinct crash course on Chekhov. 🙏

I just bought this random 35 short stories book from a bookfair..and i was not in a mood to read a whole novel so I started reading the shortest story in the book..which was "the first class passanger by Anton Chekhov..and i absolutely loved it! Now I wanna read more of his works! P.s Great video! sending love from india♡

I started reading Chekhov's comic stories earlier this week. It's been on my bookshelf for some time - I don't know why, but I grabbed it and am so glad that I did! I found your channel after asking the Almighty KZfaq Search Bar about Mr. Chekhov too. :) This video was awesome and I definitely subscribed. Thanks for uploading!

I start reading,, The man in a case''after this video, you explain well, goodluck

By the way, I'm bilingual, and Croatian is my second language, and I almost always read the great Russians in Croatian translation, yet am very aware that much must be lost in translation, although I can understand most footnotes concerning some of the problems in the transfer from Russian to Croatian.

I've read only Uncle Vanya, a long time ago. I should really get back to Chekhov, I love how you described his works.

I adore your presence.

This was a really interesting and helpful video! I haven't read anything from Chekhov before but all the works you mentioned sounded fascinating

Yeah checov is my favorite revolutionary character. He has amezing sharper mind. & fast track change the topics. And simply

Молодец. Interesting video. I wish I had the time and energy to read all of these.

Thank you for the video but I realised I want to read these stories without knowing anything about them so I will just assume this was a great video

8:42 Chekov's Gun and a play called The Seagull.

The 1st time I came across Chekhov was in high school. My oldest sister was taking a world literature class, and one day, I picked up her book and read some of the stories. The Kiss was downright hilarious to me! Also, I loved the way he described the setting, emotions, etc. I was disappointed that the poor guy in the story never found out who the woman was that kissed him....

Excellent explore to telling skill

Loved this!

Thank you

Thank you.

It’s not your looks or your vivaciousness or your intelligence that I as a man find attractive. It’s your understanding that unalloyed compassion was the force that drove the cogs of Chekhov’s literary mechanism. “O let my books be then the eloquence of my speaking breast/That plead for love and look for recompense/More than that tongue that more hath more expressed”. As Shakespeare said.

Video ideas for you from someone who loves Russian lit: -- How can we understand all the variety of Russian names people have? -- What's the difference between serfdom and other forms of slavery or servitude?

Truly a beautiful and lovely woman. I find Your voice and manner comforting

Молодец

I’ve read his plays, but few of his short stories. Do you have a favorite translator of his work?

I really like Chekhov.Any bet of his political views? Excellent Video too.

Wow, you look and sound like the girl from Pride and Prejudice a lot

My only love is him.

What if Chekhov had a female version or twin sister, this channel would be her 😲 You look like the female version of Chekhov