The Bet by Anton Chekhov

Because “The Bet” is cast in fable form, the characterization is not as individualized as in Chekhov’s other stories, but rather, the banker and the lawyer serve as voices of two different viewpoints. Except for the letter written at the end of the fifteen-year period, Chekhov does not reveal the thoughts of the captive. On the other hand, the story begins with the banker’s memories and observations, proceeds to his worries about money and his resolution to kill the prisoner rather than pay the bet, and concludes with the banker’s self-contempt and with his self-protective gesture. The sequel discarded by Chekhov continues the focus on the banker’s point of view. Thus it might be suggested that Chekhov is more interested in the psychological and ironic possibilities of his account than in a didactic point.

Usually Chekhov’s imagery , too, reflects his psychological interest. Certainly in...