The Bear – Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (Play Analysis)
THE BEAR – ANTON CHEKHOV “The Bear” is a short play that Chekhov wrote at the age of 28. The period in which it was written (1888) coincided with significant political, economic, social and cultural changes in Russian society. Therefore, it is possible to see the chaotic situation of that era reflected in the play.
Considering the chaos of Russia at the time, it seems likely that Chekhov constructed an allegorical satire in this play. To support this idea, I outline the following table:
| EMPEROR (Alexander II Nikolayevich) | RUSSIAN Empire | LANDOWNERS (Serf Lords) | INTELLECTUALS | PEOPLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikolay Mihaylovich | Yelena Ivanovna Popova | Grigoriy Stepanovich Smirnov | Luka | Tobi |
Based on the table above, the allegorical satire set by Chekhov becomes clear. For a better understanding, here are a few notes on the chaotic Russia of the period:
- Alexander II Nikolayevich ruled from 1855 to 1881 and was assassinated in 1881. (Popova’s late husband, Nikolay Mihaylovich…)
- Alexander II abolished peasant serfdom in 1861. (It is no coincidence that Smirnov is a landowner.)
- Toward the end of his reign, liberalism began to influence Russia. Liberalism in turn brought capitalism. The revolver produced by American industrialist Samuel Colt and the U.S. firearms company Smith & Wesson had many contacts with Russia, which was constantly at war. (Nikolay Mihaylovich’s keepsake weapons were also Revolver models produced by Smith & Wesson.)
Examples of dialogue from the text: “I left the house at the crack of dawn yesterday, visited everyone who owed me money and not one of them paid!” (Economic difficulties of the period)
“What am I supposed to do? Should I take a balloon to escape the creditors?” (The destructiveness of capitalism)
“If you don’t take care of the horses, I’ll ride on your back.” (Relationship between people and power)
“What bad luck! It’s so hot, not one person gave me money, I couldn’t sleep at all last night, and this tearful skirt says she’s in no state to deal with money… My head hurts… Maybe I should drink vodka? Yes, let me drink vodka.” (The carelessness of the Russian people)
“How many times do I have to say it: I must get the money right away. If you don’t pay today, tomorrow I’ll have to hang myself.” (The state of the economy)
“LUKA: Everyone went to pick strawberries… There’s no one left at home… I’m fainting! Give me water!” (People leaving the country)
“Did you think I’d be afraid of you because you have strong fists and a bull neck? Someone as ignorant as you?” (Chekhov addressing the thick-skulled Russian people)
“I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you! I’ve dumped twelve women, nine left me, but I haven’t loved even one of them as much as I love you…” (The numbers given may relate to those who had ruled Russia up to that day)
“There’s nothing, you can go, or wait… No, go! I hate you! Or no, don’t go! Ah, if only you knew how angry I am!” (Russia’s attitude toward its people)
“Luka, tell the stable hands not to give Tobi any oats today.” (The people are hungry again)
Therefore, when staging the play, it is quite important to pay attention to this allegorical structure.
Sources
Chekhov, A. (2012). The Bear. Istanbul: Türkiye İş Bankası Yayınları.