Modernist Authenticity
Dmitri does not initially endear himself to readers; he is callous and cold; treats his wife with indifference bordering on disdain; and views women—whom he calls “the lower race”—as little more than objects for validation and sexual gratification. His affairs grate on readers, as does his casual and nonchalant treatment of his moral lapses. However, it would be a mistake to assume that his character is intended to be likable; instead, Dmitri is an outlet for the author to explore the worldview and interiority of a complex, if morally compromised, man.
Dmitri is a means to an end, through which Chekhov gains insight into the thoughts and feelings of one who acts as he does. His arrogance, misogyny, and feelings of entitlement are not meant to inspire readers. Like many early modernists, Chekhov’s characters stray from conventional morality and reject romanticism (referring to the literary tradition that promoted beauty, virtue, and goodness) to embrace authenticity. They are fallible and flawed; that is why they are valuable and compelling characters. By exploring the interior life that feeds Dmitri's misdeeds, Chekhov creates a realistic portrait of infidelity and those who engage in it. He does not shy from the truth; in fact, he seeks to reveal it in stark, honest terms.
The Complexity of Immoral Acts
Most readers would agree that infidelity is a condemnable act, and the perpetrators are always at fault. However, “The Lady with the Pet Dog” questions this assumption by telling the tale of an extended affair through the eyes of two unfaithful partners while leaving the victims of said affair unnamed and largely invisible. Instead, the focus remains on Anna and Dmitri, whose transgressions fuel the story. By granting Dmitri the role of narrator, Chekhov allows the tale of their liaison to unfold from his perspective. As such, their affair—at first physical, then deeply emotional—takes on a tragic element that evokes sympathy. Their immoral and selfish actions become more complex, and their affair slowly becomes star-crossed. Readers feel bad for them, even though Dmitri and Anna’s unfortunate circumstances are of their own making.
Yet, the social reality of nineteenth-century Russia, a strict, religious environment in which divorce was unacceptable, lends credence to their struggle. They engage in the affair not because they want to hurt their partners but because they have no choice; perhaps the early days of their physical liaison were condemnable, but, as Chekhov asks, can one deride true love? Readers should be cautious because Dmitri is an unreliable narrator, but they should also take into account the complex and nuanced context in which this affair occurs. “The Lady with the Pet Dog” offers insight into ambiguous circumstances. In doing so, the story forces readers to question the implications of such actions and their immediate assumption of immorality.
The Pursuit of Freedom
One of the central aspects of the story is Dmitri’s ceaseless pursuit of his desires, no matter their consequences. He wishes to be free to explore casual relationships and resents the restrictive nature of his marriage. Dmitri makes up imaginary work trips to fool his wife, then uses the time to pursue women and other outlets that bring him a sense of independence and happiness. His pursuit of perfect freedom is often at the cost of others but, as Chekhov indicates, is his most basic right. Again, the idea of moral action melds with the notion of personal desire. According to Dmitri, there is a clear hierarchy of importance, and his selfish desires prove victorious nearly every time. However, Chekhov’s insights into Dmitri’s ethos beg the question: can he be faulted? What is more important: living a moral or a happy life?
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