tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post2378240042186978536..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: The Fidget by Anton ChekhovBrian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-5219184760825807832020-05-06T13:53:13.622-04:002020-05-06T13:53:13.622-04:00The reason for the title is not that clear. I trie...The reason for the title is not that clear. I tried to Google it. Some translators have translated it differently. The Grasshopper is sometimes used. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84976812476963804732020-05-06T00:45:36.124-04:002020-05-06T00:45:36.124-04:00Question: Why the title The Fidget?Question: Why the title The Fidget?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01236333534826430278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-66755027270439263362017-03-25T16:38:06.415-04:002017-03-25T16:38:06.415-04:00Hi Evelina - It is certainly possible that Chekhov...Hi Evelina - It is certainly possible that Chekhov viewed women differently in this respect. However, in several other stories and plays Chekov's victimizers were women who showed no regret. In the Ravine is a story that comes to mind where one of the characters was a terribly malicious woman. <br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-12227466023476858502017-03-25T15:44:01.763-04:002017-03-25T15:44:01.763-04:00Maybe it's because she's a woman that she ...Maybe it's because she's a woman that she experienced remorse? That would be about the only difference from Anyuta.Evelinahttp://avalinahsbooks.spacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-65115391343505617892017-03-22T10:44:14.859-04:002017-03-22T10:44:14.859-04:00I need to read Gorky. I think the only writer from...I need to read Gorky. I think the only writer from the early Soviet era that I have read if Andrey Platonov. He is wildly different. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-58501251501215987502017-03-22T08:49:28.385-04:002017-03-22T08:49:28.385-04:00This is another of Chekhov's stories that prov...This is another of Chekhov's stories that provide insight not only into the characters but also into the ethos of Russia nearing the end of the Empire. It is interesting to compare his stories with those that followed in the Soviet era like Gorky.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00561320676355168336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-59439728389106690732017-03-22T06:05:07.346-04:002017-03-22T06:05:07.346-04:00Thanks for trying to help me with that issue. I re...Thanks for trying to help me with that issue. I really appreciate, Brian.<br />Here it's sunny and warm, but apparently it's about to change.. Hahaha... by the time it gets rainy and cloudy I won't be here. See you next week :)<br />The Reader's Taleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12701126931175725145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-83516075912106618442017-03-22T05:45:39.490-04:002017-03-22T05:45:39.490-04:00Hi Carol - I read The Cherry Orchid a Long Time ag...Hi Carol - I read The Cherry Orchid a Long Time ago. I remember thinking it was brilliant. I think that all of Chekhov's plays are worth the read.<br /><br />I agree that the nature of Russia had a lot to do with producing its great writers. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-73180980431535479972017-03-21T21:09:49.440-04:002017-03-21T21:09:49.440-04:00I haven't read any Chekov yet, but 'The Ch...I haven't read any Chekov yet, but 'The Cherry Orchard' is one I had in mind to read. Have you read this? Russian authors have always interested me. Yes, their writing is often dark but Russia wouldn't be an easy place to live in, I don't think. I love the ideas and and depth that's usually found in works by Russian authors.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06820925595506920754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-70718372400895377232017-03-21T19:18:52.379-04:002017-03-21T19:18:52.379-04:00Hi Caroline - It is the regret that made this stor...Hi Caroline - It is the regret that made this story stand out for me. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-90072409747416470242017-03-21T15:48:46.666-04:002017-03-21T15:48:46.666-04:00I don't think I've come across any story b...I don't think I've come across any story by him in which those who exploit the others felt bad about it. Interesting. Carolinehttp://beautyisasleepingcat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-80740149957166381542017-03-21T13:41:53.529-04:002017-03-21T13:41:53.529-04:00Thanks Maria.
Olga has zero justification for ch...Thanks Maria. <br /><br />Olga has zero justification for cheating on this story. Chekhov typically creates innocent victims. <br /><br />I mostly agree with you on the cheating. My only reservation is that in the cultures that existed in these older stories sometimes people were trapped when they are married to reprehensible people and are married in name only. In our modern world I think that these situations still exist in certain parts of the world. <br /><br />Have a great week! Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-26634413259879296022017-03-21T12:28:23.355-04:002017-03-21T12:28:23.355-04:00Outstanding commentary as usual, Brian!
Well....h...Outstanding commentary as usual, Brian!<br /><br />Well....having been cheated on myself, I have to very honestly say that I don't feel an ounce of compassion for this woman. Her self-reproach is indeed a fitting punishment for her. I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who are unfaithful to either their boyfriend/girlfriend, or spouse. The type of rationalizations this character uses is typical of what cheaters do. They turn their betrayal into something justified by the "failings" of the person being cheated on. <br /><br />Even if, in fact, the person the cheater is cheating on is not a good partner, this is not the way to go about things. If someone is unhappy in a relationship or marriage, the right thing to do is to confront the issue, by calmly discussing the situation with their partner or spouse. If the problems cannot be resolved with therapy, then an amicable separation or divorce is in order. But cheating? This is a DESPICABLE thing to do. The HONORABLE thing to do is to separate from the person one cannot be happy with, and THEN seek out someone more suitable.<br /><br />Unfortunately, as always, it's PRECISELY the people who are the kindest and nicest who get betrayed. And the betrayer ALWAYS rationalizes his/her actions, without a single thought as to how these actions will affect the person being betrayed.<br /><br />This is definitely one Checkhov story I don't think I can read. I know, because I attempted to read "Anna Karenina", and had to give up in disgust.<br /><br />Thanks for your insightful commentary!! Hope you're having a great week!! :) :) :)<br /> Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-82909869038158141892017-03-21T11:32:17.011-04:002017-03-21T11:32:17.011-04:00Hi Jane - I need to read more of The Russian great...Hi Jane - I need to read more of The Russian greats to be sure, but I think that Chekhov was darker then the others. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-40285378030266662562017-03-21T11:13:19.038-04:002017-03-21T11:13:19.038-04:00I think I would struggle to not be swept down into...I think I would struggle to not be swept down into the darkness whilst reading these stories. I think there is a reason I tend to avoid the Russian authors--they are very dark indeed.JaneGShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11094501834387622997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-87428542212910442562017-03-20T14:08:40.458-04:002017-03-20T14:08:40.458-04:00Hi Sharon - I do tend to feel for others in pain.
...Hi Sharon - I do tend to feel for others in pain.<br /><br />Indeed Olga's soul is shows emptiness here.<br /><br />Different translations seem to Chekhov title stories differently. <br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-56519127876709637902017-03-20T13:55:33.969-04:002017-03-20T13:55:33.969-04:00Hi Brian. At first I didn't recognize the sto...Hi Brian. At first I didn't recognize the story but I found it in my collection titled "The Grasshopper." I re-read it just now so I could comment. :)<br /><br />This is such an interesting story and I appreciate Chekhov's honesty in describing it. He shows a flighty, self-absorbed woman who seems incapable of caring about her husband because her concern is to search for excitement and stimulation.<br /><br />Her wake-up call seems to be when she is thrown over by her lover and she finally realizes how horrible she has treated her husband. Then when her husband becomes ill and eventually dies she is filled with remorse.<br /><br />Unfortunately, seeking fulfillment by using and hurting others can't drown out the empty rattling of one's soul. Olga does not seem to find any hope in her regret. But, as you say, it ends without the reader learning how Olga's character develops beyond the immediate story. Perhaps because Chekhov does not know either.<br /><br />You seem to have a heart for the hurting, Brian. Maybe that's why you are interested in these stories. Have a good week.Gently Madhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10450371589766691273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-22949106214717173772017-03-20T12:14:39.094-04:002017-03-20T12:14:39.094-04:00Hi The Reader's Tales.
I would love to read y...Hi The Reader's Tales.<br /><br />I would love to read your commentary on Chekhov.<br /><br />His sense of humor was often brilliant, but there is so much tragedy in his works.<br /><br />I will try to photograph some murals and post them :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-6783142636825207512017-03-20T08:40:11.216-04:002017-03-20T08:40:11.216-04:00Hello Brian! Having read several stories of Anton ...Hello Brian! Having read several stories of Anton Chekhov and many Russian writers, I agree with your opinion. That said, I find reading his stories very enjoyable and not at all depressing, this thanks to his sense of humor. <br />Brian, thanks for making me want to discover other stories of Anton Chekhov. It was a long time since I had read his works. By the way, do you mind if I review my latest read of Anton Chekhov? (I could publish them in June?... let me know) <br />P.S. I look forward to discovering your photo project... Happy Spring The Reader's Taleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12701126931175725145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-45658087874964410102017-03-19T22:16:39.713-04:002017-03-19T22:16:39.713-04:00Hi Susan - I also like characters that exhibit sha...Hi Susan - I also like characters that exhibit shades of grey. <br /><br />I think that Olga will carry what she did throughout her life. However, I wonder if she will grow as result. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-79236505623208532992017-03-19T19:08:02.752-04:002017-03-19T19:08:02.752-04:00I like it when the characters aren't all good ...I like it when the characters aren't all good or bad; it makes the story more complex I think. For whatever reason I don't think Olga will get over her self-reproach. thecuecardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08870323589682197091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-37855450136523809572017-03-18T15:17:07.826-04:002017-03-18T15:17:07.826-04:00Hi Naida - Many of Chekhov's stories are depre...Hi Naida - Many of Chekhov's stories are depressing. He tends to look at the dark side of people. <br /><br />Olga is indeed her own worst enemy. Chekhov had a way of getting into such people's heads.Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-35697119141449487332017-03-18T15:13:53.879-04:002017-03-18T15:13:53.879-04:00Hi Baili -Seeing such destructive behavior in ligh...Hi Baili -Seeing such destructive behavior in light of mental disorder is an interesting interpretation. It gets into all kinds of philosophical territory. I think that one can read a lot of fiction like this is one were so inclined. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-46351328234380848202017-03-18T14:35:43.723-04:002017-03-18T14:35:43.723-04:00This sounds like a depressing story. That passage ...This sounds like a depressing story. That passage you quoted especially shows Olga's character trying to almost rationalize her cheating ways. "ruin myself to spite them all..." She's her own worst enemy. I need to read Chekhov.<br />Happy weekend!<br />The Bookwormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10217390642323530030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-8182756919279619052017-03-18T12:32:31.591-04:002017-03-18T12:32:31.591-04:00Through this story I get glimpse of an extra ordin...Through this story I get glimpse of an extra ordinary couple who suffered with kind of mental disorder. <br /><br />I appreciate your effort to bring up stories from various culture. Thank you so much bailihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06498012175058870980noreply@blogger.com