Darling

“Darling” is a short story by Anton Chekhov, a renowned Russian playwright and writer. Here’s
an overview:

**Summary:**

“Darling” revolves around the character of Olenka Plemyannikova, a young woman who has the
habit of mirroring the personalities and interests of the men she becomes involved with. The
story follows her through three significant relationships.

First, she is deeply in love with Kukin, a theater owner and a person who loves to use
exaggerated phrases. While with Kukin, Olenka adopts his enthusiasm for the theater and uses
theatrical language in her daily life.

After Kukin’s departure, she falls in love with Vlassitch, a veterinary surgeon who speaks
passionately about animals and their welfare. Olenka begins to show a keen interest in animal
welfare and becomes highly involved in the cause during her relationship with Vlassitch.

Later, she marries a timber merchant named Pustovalov. Olenka becomes infatuated with his
business endeavors and starts assisting him with his work. However, this marriage is short-lived
as Pustovalov dies, leaving Olenka heartbroken.

Ultimately, Olenka’s character remains somewhat empty and unoriginal as she constantly
adapts herself to the interests and personas of the men in her life.

**Themes:**
1. **Identity and Adaptation:**
The story explores the theme of personal identity and how Olenka’s character remains
elusive as she molds herself according to the men she loves.

2. **Fickleness of Love:** “Darling”

 delves into the transient nature of love and how Olenka’s affection for each man
appears genuine but is essentially shallow and changeable.

3. **Satire and Irony:**

Chekhov employs irony and satire to depict the characters’ obsessions and the
superficiality of Olenka’s love relationships.

**Analysis:**
Anton Chekhov uses “Darling” to satirize the idea of malleable personalities in romantic
relationships. Olenka’s habit of adopting the interests and personalities of her partners
illustrates the loss of her individuality, highlighting the sometimes absurd and shallow nature of
love.

**Major Characters:**
1. **Olenka Plemyannikova:**
The central character who adapts herself to her lovers’ interests and personalities,
leading to a lack of a distinct identity.

2. **Kukin:**

A theater owner who is Olenka’s first love interest. She becomes passionate about the
theater and adopts his love for exaggerated language while with him.

3. **Vlassitch:**
A veterinary surgeon who becomes Olenka’s second love interest. She develops a deep
interest in animal welfare during their relationship.

4. **Pustovalov:**
 A timber merchant whom Olenka marries and helps with his business. Their marriage is
short-lived due to his sudden death.

**Writer’s Point of View:**

Chekhov’s perspective in “Darling” serves as a commentary on the nature of love and personal
identity. The story conveys the idea that genuine love and individuality should not be lost or
compromised in romantic relationships. Chekhov’s use of satire and irony underscores the
absurdity of Olenka’s behavior.

In conclusion, “Darling” is a satirical and thought-provoking narrative that explores the themes
of identity, love, and the often superficial nature of romantic relationships, all through the lens
of its central character, Olenka.