Understanding Chekhov by Donald Rayfield

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Understanding Chekhov by Donald Rayfield

Regular price $61.99
Condition - very good
1 in stock
Regular price $61.99
Condition - very good
1 in stock
Summary

Designed to enhance the understanding of those who read Chekhov's stories or watch his plays. This book aims to reveal the levels of meaning and intention, the interpretations that can be made, and to bring out Chekhov's many connections to European prose and drama.

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Understanding Chekhov by Donald Rayfield

This work is designed to enhance the understanding of those who read Chekhov's stories or watch his plays. It reveals the levels of meaning and intention, the interpretations that author, reader, theatre director or critic can make, and brings out Chekhov's many connections to European prose and drama. It is a systematic study, in chronological order, showing how Chekhov was formed by his own literary models and cultural background. It places stories and plays in context with each other as well as with Chekhov's reading and his public's and publishers' expectations. Early work receives special attention as the crucible in which later fiction is smelted; each of the major plays has a chapter devoted to it. Chekhov's own elusive intentions are elucidated, as well as the critical reactions of his contemporaries and of posterity. This study concentrates on Chekhov's innovations in both the story and in drama: the use of inconsequentiality, the avoidance of denouements, non-verbal effects (eg. smell and light), intertextuality. Much new archival material, private and family, is drawn on to show the origins of Chekhov's ideas and source of his motifs. Attention is paid to Chekhov's influence on the short story and on drama in Europe and America, as well as in Russia.
SKU GOR006472450
ISBN 13 9781853994265
ISBN 10 185399426X
Title Understanding Chekhov
Author Donald Rayfield
Series Critical Studies In Russian Literature S
Condition very good
Binding type Paperback
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Year published 1999-06-24
Number of pages 304
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us