An analysis of the alienation of characters in Anton Chekhov stories: The Man in the Case, Gooseberries and The Darling
Alienation is the isolation or separation from a group or an activity in which one should be involved. In Chekhov stories of “Man in the Case”, “The Darling” and “Gooseberries” the characters separated themselves from the outside world in order to achieve a peace with their inner self. Even though they all alienated themselves they all did it differently because they all had different situations in their lives that cause them to change. Each character had an undercover meaning for their alienation because they were affected by society’s expectations. However their inner motives were influenced by ambition or affiliation. By separating themselves they unconsciously found their identity in life. For each character their relationships with others and goals in life played an important role in their isolation.
In “Man in the Case”, the author uses both figurative and literal shells to show Belikov’s burdens in life. The case protects every aspect of his life, from his actions to his thoughts, which provides him a sense of tranquility. He creates a case of his own filled of rules and discipline to provide him with structure and escape from reality. “Any sort of violation, deviation, departure from the rules threw him into dejection...” (Chekhov 300) The author use of dictation showed Belikov’s torment by his fear of the outside world. If he did not feel protected he felt that his life was unstable. Ironically he thought the cases might help him fit in into society but in reality it just separated him more. He was always trying to protect himself and constantly afraid that “something might come of it” (302) meaning something terrible could happen if he didn’t follow his rules.
“Belikov’s bedroom was small, like a box, and had a canopy over it. Lying down to sleep, he would cover his head with a blanket” (302) Even in his room where one is supposed to feel safe and rested, Belikov felt frightened and anxious. He would cover himself with blankets because he was
In “Man in the Case”, the author uses both figurative and literal shells to show Belikov’s burdens in life. The case protects every aspect of his life, from his actions to his thoughts, which provides him a sense of tranquility. He creates a case of his own filled of rules and discipline to provide him with structure and escape from reality. “Any sort of violation, deviation, departure from the rules threw him into dejection...” (Chekhov 300) The author use of dictation showed Belikov’s torment by his fear of the outside world. If he did not feel protected he felt that his life was unstable. Ironically he thought the cases might help him fit in into society but in reality it just separated him more. He was always trying to protect himself and constantly afraid that “something might come of it” (302) meaning something terrible could happen if he didn’t follow his rules.
“Belikov’s bedroom was small, like a box, and had a canopy over it. Lying down to sleep, he would cover his head with a blanket” (302) Even in his room where one is supposed to feel safe and rested, Belikov felt frightened and anxious. He would cover himself with blankets because he was