The Theme of Prostitution in “A Nervous Breakdown” by A.P. Chekhov: Between Social Illness and Slavery Cover Image

Tema prostituției în „Criză de nervi” de A.P. Cehov: între boală socială și sclavie
The Theme of Prostitution in “A Nervous Breakdown” by A.P. Chekhov: Between Social Illness and Slavery

Author(s): Ana-Maria Sandu
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Russian Literature, Philology
Published by: Editura Universităţii din Bucureşti
Keywords: Anton Chekhov; A Nervous Breakdown; literary tradition; social responsibility;

Summary/Abstract: The present article deals with the theme of prostitution in Chekhov`s story `A Nervous Breakdown`. But before turning to the story, it is imperative to understand the evolution of this theme within the Russian literary tradition. Therefore, we will trace the evolution of this theme in the Russian canon and then we will observe how Chekhov represents prostituion by rejecting to idealize this phenomenon. The article touches upon the meaning of the theme under discussion in Chekhov's story by focusing on how the main character reacts to this phenomenon, considering the following concepts: the mechanism of rationalization, individual and collective responsibility, literary fantasy and reality.

  • Issue Year: 10/2022
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 5-21
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Romanian