In the excerpt from ​Anton Chekhov​’s short story “​The Lady with the Dog​,” C

​ hekhov
subtly illustrates the complex nature of ​Gurov ​and ​Anna​’s relationship between themselves as
well as with the setting as one of the minimalism and purity.

This concept is first established through narration, specifically that which concerns
Gurov​’s inner dialogue in general musings. In the beginning, it is revealed that an attractive
aspect of ​Anna​‘s character to ​Gurov ​is how she retains “​the purity of a good, simple woman who
had seen little of life​.” While the simplicity may be misconstrued as naïve on the part of ​Anna ​it
has more in common with the artistic appreciation of minimalism; in this case, minimalism within
one’s personality. This is enforced by the fact that ​Gurov ​dismisses her concerns regarding the
morality of their affair, becoming “​irritated by [her] naïve tone​.” However, he still finds her
simplicities attractive. Instead, the latter half of the statement to ​Anna​’s simplicity and impurity
implies that there was causality between “​see[ing] little of life​” and these aforementioned
characteristics. This establishes that ​Gurov ​finds the complexities of society and general
humanity, as well as their effect on the individual, to be unsavory.

Later in the excerpt, ​Anna ​begins vocalizing her sentiment that partaking in an
extramarital affair has corrupted her virtuousness and morality. She explains that in her
marriage, she “​wanted something better​.” She “​wanted to live​.” This statement reinforces
Gurov​’s perspective of humanity in society being general negative influences. ​Anna​’s marriage
was the singular thing that was preventing her from experiencing life in the way she wanted to,
and the main thing preventing her from leaving her husband for someone else were the
influences and stigmas created by culture. In truth, marriage itself is an entirely cultural and
societal concept. With this concept came the concept of extramarital affairs as something to be
discouraged and looked down upon. This is, in part, how ​Gurov ​and ​Anna​’s relationship is
intrinsically tied to the concepts symbolized by the setting. The setting is completely devoid of
the influence of humanity or society outside of the two lovers and it is all the more beautiful for it.
The same concept applies to the relationship between ​Gurov ​and ​Anna​, as their love is simple,
natural, and beautiful and made more so when viewed in isolation from the rest of society and
humanity. This relates to the idea of appreciation of the minimalistic, in this case with humans
being the complicating factor and their absence from the setting makes it minimalistic.