Chekhov, author of the short story, The Lady with the Pet Dog, presents an accurate rationale of the protagonist Dimitri Gurhovs adulterous affair. The story lacks an proper evidence for the character of Anna. Joyce Carol Oates version of the story contributes insight into Annas viewpoint.
The point-of-view of the characters in these stories reveals much about their personalities and actions. Chekhovs Gurhov was no stranger to adultery (insert pg 205 #1). It seems ironic that he considered women the inferior race. Was it because they were so easily used and discarded? One gets the feeling that these women somehow deserve this punishment. Gurhov is by some means defended for his view of women by relating his bitter experience and the description of his wife. (insert page 205 #2) He did not seek his wife, she was found for him, when he was very young. The reader is prone to dislike her with only a meager description. In a way, he was forced to marry this woman who evidently gave him a free pass to check out what he was missing. It is also revealed that Gurhov finds it difficult to socialize with the men in society, but (insert page 205 #3). He feels he is drawn to them, leaving little control. Gurkov is aware of the complexity of his affairs but every new experience with these women washes away that doubt and concern. The woman he was involved with are said to be grateful to him for the happiness he gave them, women like his wife who loved without superfluous phrases. Other women where cold and wanted to snatch from life more than it could give. The attitudes of these women, justifies their heartache and loss.
Gurkovs relationship with Anna is initiated by him. He recognizes that she is new to Yalta, she is alone and that she is married. For most people this would stop them from considering any improper relationship but something entices Gurhov, took possession of him. From here he seduces and pursues Anna. Anna is described at times by the author to be nave and pathetic She is portrayed as a young, immature woman, who is bored and searching for something. Time goes fast and yet it is so dull here. It seems to be implied that she should be content and happy with the life she has, that being a wife is enough for any ordinary woman.
The author depicts Annas behavior after her first sexual encounter with Gurhov as strange and inappropriate, although shame and regret would most likely be two normal reactions to an affair. It should be called into question why Gurhov does not feel remorse or any reaction to this. If this is what she was looking for, why does she feel bad? Anna describes her husband as a flunky She also has no knowledge of exactly what he does for a living and needs time alone, away from him frequently. These are qualities given to ridicule Anna, suggesting neglect and lack of interest towards her husband. Chekhov reveals that Anna and her husband married young, suggesting further that she is likely bored and tired of him. Simply stated, Gurhov is unfaithful because he has good reason, Annas reasons are immature and selfish. The lack of positive remarks toward Annas behavior proposes that it is unimportant exactly why she commits adultery, only why the narrator feels she did.
Through the writing of Joyce Carol Oates, a new side to Anna is revealed. She is not just a young, pathetic member of the lower-race. She is a self-sacrificing intelligent woman. Anna is freed from the 1900s stereotype of what a woman should be and how she should act. Oates convinces readers that while Annas relationship with Gurhov was awakening and fulfilling, she knows it is wrong. She is worried of the affects on her husband and is so distraught she would rather take her own life. She believes it is fate to be with her husband not with Gurhov. After summer when they separate, Anna believes their relationship is over and is relieved to have escaped so easily, to have freed herself. Gurhov cannot stay away from her and it is because of his persistence that she grows weaker. Readers are given Annas account of her first meeting with Gurhov. It seems Anna was not so desperate to find something or someone apart from her normal life, in fact she doesnt even want to speak to Gurhov initially. Anna attributes him with a certain arrogant maleness. It is only after some coaxing by Gurhov that she relaxes and is interested in him. The Anna of Oates story is given more intelligent descriptions. While speaking with Gurhov she is (INSERT 207 #1)
Oates Anna despises her feelings toward Gurhov but she trusted him. He was her salvation in the life she had contemplated ending. He gave her reason to live although she felt shame in being happy with him. Anna truly loved Gurhov and felt she had no choice about it. She was aware of what she was doing but could no fight it and like most moral people she was ashamed when she faultered. In the end of the story, Anna has justified her relationship with Gurhov, she feels she is not really cheating on her husband because she was a different person with him. She felt that she was truly married to Gurhov and she accepted their relationship and realized that she was making the right choice and would finally be happy.
The two different external settings of these stories could give a basis for the one-sided point-of-views. Chekhovs version was written for a 19th century audience. In this time, it was socially unacceptable for women to be the controlling head of household or independent creatures. These women who did not conform to society do what was expected of them, were usually outcasts from society. It was a time where men ruled the world and households and women were to be subservient and thankful for what they were given. It was not appropriate for a women to be slightly selfish or self-serving. Whether it is meant to be Gurhovs and this societys judgments of Anna, for acceptance of the story, or part of the authors misguided personal feelings towards women, is not determinable.
It is plausible that Oates modern audience would be much more accepting of Anna. The 20th century saw more and more independent women take charge in the work force and home life. Women are more empowered and equal than Chekhovs time. The progressive woman can be __________ and in control of their bodies. They are free to make decisions and society will accept her right to do so, even if they do not agree.
Through the merging of two versions of this story, an accurate account of this adulterous relationship is given. Whether this gives readers an understanding or even sympathy can be debated. For some it would only further stress that something is wrong with the people in these situations, and there is no acceptable circumstance or excuse for adultery. For others, new light may be shed on these lovers and although it is not favored it can be understood. One can only speculate and imagine the reasoning of The Lady with the Pet Dog.
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