In Anton Chekhov's poignant narrative, the journey of two ailing men aboard a ship from the Far East to Russia unfolds. While Pavel Ivanych, a fervent intellectual, voices his disdain for societal injustices, Gusev, a soldier, retreats into thoughts of his homeland, indifferent to Pavel's tirades. Through these contrasting characters, Chekhov explores the different ways individuals perceive and engage with life.

Two Diverging Worldviews

Pavel Ivanych is deeply sensitive to the mistreatment of vulnerable people by the Russian authorities. His criticisms sharply focus on the military, condemning the ease with which a man can be torn from his family to serve a minor officer far from home. He scorns the Russian populace, describing them as "dark, blind, and crushed," too accepting of authoritarian rule. Pavel sees himself as the embodiment of protest and prides himself on being seen as difficult, believing that relentless opposition is the essence of life. He goes so far as to declare that he would maintain his stand against injustice even if confined to a cellar.

Gusev's Indifference

As Pavel Ivanych passionately voices his opinions, Gusev becomes increasingly detached. Instead of engaging with Pavel's fervent discourses, Gusev gazes out the ship's porthole, observing Chinese merchants in small boats selling caged canaries. Their cries of "It sings! It sings!" unwittingly mirror Pavel's seemingly futile outbursts, hinting at the ironic emptiness of his monologues. Pavel Ivanych eventually succumbs to his illness and is consigned to the sea, leaving behind his unfulfilled crusade against injustice.

Gusev's Simplicity

With Pavel Ivanych's passing, the narrative's focus shifts to Gusev. Unlike his companion, Gusev is unconcerned with societal inequities. He clings to simple beliefs and folk myths, imagining storms as products of a world unchained. Content with his life as a soldier, he sees his service as dutiful, without undue hardship. Gusev dreams of returning to his village, envisioning himself navigating snowy trails with his sleigh, thinking only of his family and rural simplicity. Yet, his journey too is fated to end prematurely, as he dies before reaching home.

The Final Rest

In Gusev's death, Chekhov details the solemn ritual as his body is enveloped in canvas and committed to the sea. The narrative follows the corpse's descent into the ocean, where a formidable shark approaches, tearing the canvas shroud apart. This stark imagery transitions to a broader meditation on nature's majesty, as Chekhov shifts to a serene depiction of the sky and sea uniting in a vibrant sunset. The grandeur of the natural world overshadows human trivialities, illustrating the insignificance of individual struggles against the vast backdrop of existence.