I -The witch and other Stories

In the introductory chapter of “In the Ravine,” the setting unfolds in the small, inconspicuous village of Ukleevo, remembered mostly for a minor, yet oddly significant event involving a deacon and an excessive indulgence in caviare at a funeral. This seemingly trivial tale underscores the village’s lack of noteworthy events and possibly a commentary on the mundane or the simplicity of rural life. The village, plagued by fever and environmental degradation due to its proximity to cotton factories and a tanyard, presents a bleak backdrop contrasted by the stark yet sporadic indications of civilization and commerce.

At the heart of Ukleevo’s scant prosperity is Grigory Petrovitch Tsybukin, a multifaceted businessman whose operations extend far beyond his front as a grocer. Through the depiction of Grigory and his family, Chekhov weaves a narrative of survival, enterprise, and the complexities of familial relationships. Grigory’s household is marked by contrasts and contradictions—between his legitimate trade and the illicit aspects of his business, between his two sons Anisim and Stepan, and notably, between the roles and expectations of the women within his family.

Aksinya, Stepan’s wife, emerges as a formidable force in the Tsybukin household. Her acumen for business and assertive demeanor seems to compensate for Stepan’s inadequacies, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. Despite being tied to Stepan through marriage, Aksinya embodies strength and capability that Grigory admires, even envying her wasted potential on his less-capable son.

The narrative then expands to include Varvara Nikolaevna, Grigory’s new wife, introducing a dimension of change and perhaps hope. Varvara’s arrival brings a palpable shift in the household’s atmosphere, introducing a semblance of refinement and compassion previously absent. Whereas the Tsybukin enterprise, tainted with exploitation and moral ambiguity, Varvara’s presence injects a nuanced layer of humanity and benevolence. Her charity and the introduction of simple domestic pleasures offer a stark contrast to the otherwise grim and morally complex world of the Tsybukins.

“In the Ravine” sets the stage for a deeper exploration of character, social critique, and perhaps redemption, painted against the backdrop of a Russian village embodying both the beauty and the harsh realities of rural existence.