Anton Chekhov (29 January 1860 – 15 July 1904) was a Russian playwright
and short-story writer who lived during the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. He is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the
history of Western drama, and his plays are still widely performed
today. He is also considered a master of the short story form.
Chekhov was born on 29 January 1860 in
Taganrog, Russia, the third of six children. His father was a grocer
and his mother was a former serf. Despite his humble origins, Chekhov
was able to attend school and received a good education. He studied
medicine at Moscow University but did not finish his degree.
In 1884, Chekhov began writing for various newspapers and magazines,
and soon became a popular and respected writer. In 1888, he published
his first collection of short stories, and by the 1890s, he had
established himself as one of the most prominent writers in Russia.
In addition to his writing, Chekhov was also a practicing physician and
would often travel to remote areas of Russia to provide medical care to
the poor. He believed that his medical background helped him to better
understand human suffering, which is reflected in his writing.
Chekhov’s most famous plays include The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, and The
Three Sisters. These plays are known for their subtlety, psychological
complexity, and lack of clear-cut resolutions. They are considered
masterpieces of the modern theater.
Chekhov’s health began to decline around the turn of the century and
he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite his illness, he continued to
write, and he produced some of his best work during this time. He died
on 15 July 1904 at the age of 44.
Chekhov’s plays and stories have been translated into many languages
and continue to be performed and read around the world. His work has had
a profound influence on modern literature, theater, and film.