THE ARTICLE REVEALS CHEKHOV’S ATTITUDE TO CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN THEATER IN THE 1880S

Abstract

In his early works, Chekhov often refers to the theme of the theater, the images of actors. In addition to drunkenness, boasting, carelessness, carelessness, frivolity, and a tendency to riot, Chekhov sees in his heroes what appeals to him: the breadth of nature, disinterestedness, solidarity, compassion. A number of images in the early stories receive both lyrical and dramatic, and even tragic overtones. The article deals with individual themes, motifs of Chekhov’s early stories about the theater and actors. In particular, the writer’s criticism of the old school of acting, which had become a cliché by that time. The story “The Actor’s Death” in several of its motifs precedes the themes of the writer’s plays in the mature period of creativity.