The Chekhov Play - by Harvey Pitcher (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In The Chekhov Play: A New Interpretation, the author sets out to reclaim Anton Chekhov's work from oversimplified, often misguided interpretations that have reduced his plays to clichés or misaligned political and literary agendas. The author critiques those who label Chekhov's work as "typically Chekhovian" without truly understanding his nuanced spirit, or those who attempt to co-opt him as a revolutionary figure or a precursor to absurdist theatre. By distancing themselves from these reductive readings, the author proposes a fresh perspective, grounded in a more profound engagement with Chekhov's language, culture, and thematic subtleties. The book aims not to refute past critiques point by point but to construct an alternative framework that highlights what makes Chekhov's plays so uniquely compelling. This effort begins with a clear and concise definition of the Chekhov play's essence in the opening chapter, offering readers a foundational understanding that guides the subsequent exploration of his major works.

The book's analysis traces the evolution of Chekhov's dramatic art, with detailed studies of The Seagull and Uncle Vanya illustrating the developmental trajectory of his craft. These chapters explore how Chekhov refined his dramatic language and thematic focus over time. In contrast, the discussions of Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard serve as deeper appreciations, reinterpreting these masterpieces in a way that aims to reveal new insights and emotional resonance. This dual approach--a critical examination of Chekhov's evolution and an emotive engagement with his later works--underscores the author's central thesis: that Chekhov's plays are not merely artifacts of a specific time or literary movement but profound, living works that demand thoughtful and nuanced appreciation. Through this reinterpretation, the book seeks to reconnect readers with the spirit of Chekhov's art, emphasizing its timeless humanity and depth.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1973.