Chekhov's Sociocultural_Context

Abstract

The text analyzes the influence of Anton Chekhov on universal dramaturgy, highlighting him above other Russian authors such as Gogol, Pushkin, or Dostoevsky, and emphasizing the need to first understand his philosophical and psychoanalytic achievements before making comparisons with other playwrights. Chekhov, as a master of naturalism, portrayed the banality of everyday life and the frustration of his characters, distancing himself from classical satire and exploring the human tragedy derived from unattainable desires and family pressures, which has influenced contemporary filmmakers like Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Lucrecia Martel, and Yorgos Lanthimos. His work breaks with the Western dramatic tradition, presenting a critique of the Moscow bourgeoisie through characters who face internal crises and unfulfilled desires, differentiating him from authors like Émile Zola in his ability to depict emotional complexity and desolation. Additionally, the text examines the relationship between Chekhov and Ivan Turgenev, who indirectly influenced his Frenchified style in Russian narrative, noting that although there is no clear evidence that Chekhov was an avid reader of Turgenev, there is an aesthetic affinity between the two that led Chekhov to elevate naturalism to new heights.