The Witch, and Other Stories

"The Witch, and Other Stories" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a compilation of short narratives from the close of the 1800s; the first tale, titled "The Witch," presents the story of Savely Gykin, who is a sexton, and his spouse Raissa as they manage a fierce snowstorm and ponder their lives concurrently. The narrative explores the superstitions, jealousies, and tricky parts of marriage within the borders of a rural village. The plot mainly focuses on Savely's mixed-up emotions over thoughts regarding his wife's supposed witchcraft. As Savely hears the roaring storm outside, lying awake in bed, he wonders if his wife is behind the storms and if she is trying to get men to their house purposely. As they talk, it's clear that the two have a bad relationship with insecurities and accusations, explaining Savely's worries and Raissa's annoyances with them. The arrival of a postman during the storm trying to find a safe place to wait out the storm brings out tension and shows how much problems the couple faces. Using humor and drama, this is an example of Chekhov's skill in showing the human condition through scenarios we see in life daily.