Summary of the Play 'The Bear (The Boor)' by Anton Chekhov

The Bear by Anton Chekhov

Characters:

Popova: A young widow who is still in mourning for her recently deceased husband

Smirnov: A middle-aged landowner who arrives at Popova's estate to collect a debt owed by her late husband

Luka: Mrs. Popova's servant

Setting:

The play takes place in the drawing room of Popov's house.

"The Bear" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act farce filled with absurd situations and humorous remarks. It centers around the unexpected meeting of a widow named Popova and a creditor named Smirnov.

Popov, mourns the death of her husband. She vows to remain faithful to him forever. One day, a creditor named Smirnov arrives at Popov's estate demanding repayment of a debt her deceased husband owed him. Popov explains she cannot pay, as she is in mourning, but Smirnov refuses to leave until he receives payment.

Smirnov and Popov engage in a series of heated arguments. The arguments escalate into a duel of sorts, with Smirnov challenging Mrs. Popov's views on love and women's fidelity. They argue fiercely, becoming increasingly passionate and emotional.

Unexpectedly, Smirnov pleads her love while on his knees and Popova asks him to go away. Suddenly Popova asks him to stop. Then, the couple come near and Smirnov gives her a long kiss. The servants enter and see them kissing. They reconcile and contemplate the possibility of a romantic relationship, marking a departure from their initial hostility towards each other.

Exploring the text

1. Mrs. Popov's servant requests her to come out of the mourning room and enjoy her life in public but she doesn't agree. Why doesn't she want to come to the public?

Mrs. Popov doesn't want to come out of the mourning room and enjoy life in public because she is still grieving over the death of her husband.

2. How does Popov describes her situation?

Popov describes her situation as being in mourning and deeply saddened by the death of her husband.

3. How does the visitor introduce himself and what reason does he give for visiting Mrs. Popov’s house?

The visitor introduces himself as Grigory Stepanovich Smirnov and states that he has come to Mrs. Popov's house to collect a debt owed by her late husband.