The Darlling by Anton Chekhov - Research Paper Example

Although Olenka is charming, sweet and impassive, her weakness is found in forming personal opinions which changes in her encounters with men. The story presents a woman’s pursuit for love characterized by constant heart-breaks, loneliness, and disappointment. Moreover, it portrays the Russian society’s way of life as it was in the Nineteenth century. This paper examines the styles, themes and traits of characters as portrayed in the short story. Style Realism The realism style features predominantly in Chekhov’s story.

This realistic style provides the reader with ideas concerning unfavorable way of life rather than ways in which he or she can lead a productive life. "The Darling" portrays people’s way of life in a Russian village to a certain extent. Chekhov focuses on the ordinary particulars of daily life as significant pointers of character, which gives the tale a fairly static tone, as relatively small events occurs in Olenka's life. In this sense, Olenka’s life is characterized by a sequence of marriages as well as deaths signifying the mundane activities or incidences in the society (Garnett 6).

Soliloquy In the story, soliloquy is used in a number of instances, especially by the protagonist. Chekhov has used soliloquy to present the ideas of his characters as well as present their personal thoughts concerning her life and incidences that occurs around her. Olenka usually admires other people but keep the complements to her, because of the doubts that they may not be received with appreciation. This marks part of the soliloquy in the story. For instance, Olenka gives a soliloquy when she portrays her admiration towards Sasha, "You pretty pet! . my precious! . Such a fair little thing, and so clever.

" (Chekhov 12). Narrative Tone Narrator’s tone in the story provides Chekhov’s perspective regarding the character of Olenka. The protagonist’s character tends to portray a woman solely dependent on her relationships with men in order to find meaning in life. In addition, Chekhov evokes sympathy for various predicaments that women experience, which are associated with their lack of education as well as social reputation or status. Women facing these education and social status related troubles are portrayed to have a life of intellectual and emotional reliance on men.

Besides, “The Darling” celebrates the protagonist’s character as a model of self-sacrificing maternal love. Denouement Chekhov used denouement to depict the climax of the story. Close to the end of the story, Olenka’s life assume a more fulfilling turn with the homecoming of Vladimir and his son Sasha. Her life begins to brighten with every encounter with Sasha as her presumed son. However, she is still worried that the things might turn out like they have been in her past life. Olenka fears that she may lose Sasha to his mother in the future.

Although she happy for the time, things may change to what they are used to be: a lonely life full of grieve and heart breaks. Themes Female Disempowerment One of the themes apparent in Chekhov’s story is that of female disempowerment. In “The Darling”, Chekhov used his central character to present female disempowerment through her characterization as a model of female selflessness. It can be observed that use of the kind word "darling" not only patronizes but also demeans the protagonist.

The society tends to congratulate or praise Olenka for subordinating or depending extensively on male intellect as well as