THE CATTLE-DEALERS

In “The Cattle-Dealers,” a chapter from “The Schoolmistress and Other Stories,” we are introduced to the arduous journey of Gavril Malahin and his son Yakov (Yasha) as they transport eight vanloads of cattle by train to the city. The narrative opens with them waiting in a cold, cramped van alongside their livestock, emphasizing the discomfort and harsh conditions of their trip. Malahin Senior is depicted as a grizzled, experienced cattle dealer, accustomed to the vagaries and corruption endemic to the Russian railway system of the time, while his son Yasha appears disinterested, symbolizing the younger generation’s detachment from the traditional ways of life.

Throughout their journey, they face numerous obstacles, including arbitrary delays, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the necessity of bribing officials to ensure the safety and timely passage of their cargo. The story meticulously details the various characters they encounter, including corrupt station masters, indifferent guards, and fellow travelers, painting a vivid picture of Russian society and its ills as observed through the prism of the railway system.

Their voyage is not just a physical but a financial ordeal, highlighting the unpredictable and often cruel nature of the cattle trade. Despite Malahin’s careful planning and attempts to navigate through the corrupt system by offering bribes and lodging complaints, they are met with depreciating cattle prices and unexpected expenses, leading to significant losses. The vivid descriptions of the struggles faced by both the humans and animals aboard the train paint a bleak picture of the exploitation and inefficiency prevalent in the system.

The text critiques the societal conditions of the time, using Malahin’s journey to expose the corruption, the lack of empathy, and the inefficiency that plague both the railway system and society at large. Through the characters’ experiences, Chekhov explores themes of survival, corruption, and the changing dynamics between generations. Despite the adversities, Malahin’s resolve and the duo’s eventual arrival in the town, albeit with financial losses, depict a grim but realistic picture of perseverance and adaptation in the face of systemic challenges.

In essence, “The Cattle-Dealers” is not just about the transportation of livestock but serves as a microcosm for examining the broader societal ailments of Russia, captured through Chekhov’s detailed and empathetic narrative style.