THE STUDENT

In Anton Chekhov’s “The Student,” the narrative unfolds in a bleak, wintry ambiance that suddenly ensues as night approaches, setting a somber scene that pervades the entire story. The protagonist, Ivan Velikopolsky, a clerical academy student and the sacristan’s son, traverses through the cold, desolate forest, ruminating over the persistent despair and hardship that seem to transcend time, linking his contemporary, desolate Russian landscape with the historical epochs of Rurik, Ivan the Terrible, and Peter the Great. His journey leads him to the widows’ gardens, where he encounters Vasilisa and her daughter Lukerya beside a campfire, providing a brief respite from the cold and a moment of profound connection across time through the retelling of a biblical story.

Chekhov masterfully intertwines Ivan’s personal desolation with the broader human experience of suffering and endurance. The setting by the campfire becomes the stage for a poignant moment of storytelling. Ivan recounts the story of the Apostle Peter’s denial of Jesus on the night of his betrayal, drawing a parallel between the cold night at the fire with the laborers and Peter’s own chilly vigil. This tale deeply moves Vasilisa and Lukerya, evoking a shared emotional response that transcends their respective life experiences. Chekhov employs this moment to highlight the timeless and unifying nature of human suffering and compassion, illustrated by the tears of the women, which serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in connecting people across different eras and circumstances.

By the chapter’s conclusion, Ivan leaves the campfire and reenters the cold night, reflective on the encounter and its deeper implications. The experience with the widows underlines a recurring theme in Chekhov’s work: the capacity for empathy and understanding amidst the bleakness of existence. The interaction not only serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of human struggles but also hints at the potential for redemption and connection in the face of seemingly insurmountable despair. This story encapsulates a moment of profound introspection and emotional depth, showcasing Chekhov’s nuanced exploration of the human condition.