Russian literature

Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Yutaka Matsushita, "Chekhov's Light and Shadow" - Recommended introduction to Chekhov by an author who is also well versed in Dostoevsky.

Yutaka Matsushita's words are very easy to understand and have an appeal that draws you in as you read. A commentary on a great writer from a hundred years ago might give the impression of being a little difficult, but there is no such atmosphere at all. It is easy to read anyway.

This book makes me want to know more about Chekhov and read his works as soon as possible.

As I mentioned at the beginning, Mr. Matsushita is also a scholar of Russian literature with a deep knowledge of Dostoevsky, having translated "Dostoevsky the Critical Biography.

This is why Dostoevsky appears many times in the book.

They compare and explain Dostoevsky and Chekhov, so you can learn about Dostoevsky as well as Chekhov.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Seiro Sato, "My Heart's Chekhov" - A famous book that explains Chekhov's charm and interest in an easy-to-understand manner!

This book is the most comprehensive description of what a great writer Chekhov is and what makes him so unique.

And because the book contrasts not only Chekhov but also Dostoevsky, it explains many very interesting insights not only for those who want to know about Chekhov, but also for those who want to know about Russian literature and theater.

By reading this book, you can learn not only about Chekhov but also about the characteristics of Russian literature and what they mean to us living in modern Japan, and even what questions they pose.

I recommend this book anyway. If you are not sure what to read in Chekhov-related books, I would recommend this book first.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Seiro Sato, "The World of Chekhov's Plays" - Recommended reference book on Chekhov's plays!

This book is unique in that, as the title suggests, it is a reference book that is specifically devoted to Chekhov's plays. While his "The World of Chekhov's Art" covered only his fictional works, this book does not.

Not only the four major Chekhov plays, "The Seagull," "Uncle Vanya," "The Three Sisters," and "The Cherry Orchard," but also the work "Ivanov" is described in considerable detail.

This is a lively book that takes the time to examine what a play is and what makes it different from a novel. The book is recommended for those interested in stage plays as well as the four major plays.
The Cherry Orchard, Three SistersMasterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Synopsis and Impressions of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" - A masterpiece play from Chekhov's last years!

In my personal opinion, "The Cherry Orchard" was the most readable and memorable of the four major plays.

The contrast between the carefree country aristocrat who is being left behind by the times and the pragmatic merchant Lopahin is a true testament to Chekhov's ability.

Even when I read the book, I could feel the unique pauses and lingering moments. It made me wonder how much of an impact it would have if I could see this in a play.
The Cherry Orchard, Three SistersMasterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Chekhov's "Three Sisters" Synopsis and Impressions - A blend of tragedy and comedy! A masterful play packed with the skilled techniques of his later years!

Chekhov achieved overwhelming success with The Seagull. His new theatrical method revolutionized the world of theater. Even after it became known to the public that Chekhov could do original plays, the stage personnel were baffled when they saw the script.

This work is a strong example of Chekhov's commitment to the play.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Synopsis and Impressions of Chekhov's "The Seagull" - Chekhov's masterpiece that revolutionized the Russian theater world!

The Seagull" is now famous as Chekhov's masterpiece, but in fact, the play's premiere is said to have been a tremendous flop.

The Seagull" was so original for the time that even the actors who performed it, let alone the audience, could not understand it at all.

Two years later, however, Danchenko revived "The Seagull" at the Moscow Theatre. Directed by a man with a deep understanding of Chekhov's intentions, "The Seagull" was such a success that it became one of the biggest events in the Russian theater world.

It was this success that led to the creation of later masterpieces such as "Uncle Vanya," "Three Sisters," and "The Cherry Orchard.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Chekhov's "The Monk" Synopsis and Comments - Happy Childhood Memories - A moving story about the reunion and bereavement of a monk and his mother.

This is a short story of about 20 pages, but it is unintentionally poignant. The scene where the mother calls out to her son at the end of the story makes me cry no matter how many times I read it.

This work was written in the last years of Chekhov's life.

I believe that Chekhov himself was prepared to not live much longer due to tuberculosis. I felt that the fact that this work was written at such a time is also very significant in understanding Chekhov.

I also recommend this work. It is one of Chekhov's most moving works.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Chekhov's "The Wife with the Dog" Synopsis and Impressions - Is adultery evil... Chekhov's look at the love and suffering of men and women.

This story is about infidelity.

Chekhov has depicted many such stories of infidelity. In fact, the French writer Emile Zola also had this tendency.

Why did Zola or Chekhov write about adultery? I think that is their way of raising the question.

Chekhov wrote a lot about adultery, but I think Chekhov was looking at the human anguish there, rather than merely wanting to write something gossipy.
Masterpieces by the great Russian writer Chekhov

Chekhov's "The Valley" Synopsis and Impressions - A masterpiece of Chekhov's love of humanity.

The old man in Chekhov's "The Valley" is reminiscent of Dostoevsky's "Peasant Marei". Simple old men living in a farming village. Their kindness restores my faith in humanity.

While this work does indeed have a dark atmosphere, there is a redeeming quality. It is a work in which Chekhov's love of humanity and kindness can be felt.

This work was highly praised by eminent figures such as Gorky and Tolstoy. It is an easy-to-read book of about 50 pages. Why don't you read it?