ANTON CHEKHOV’S SHORT STORIES: ARTISTIC FEATURES AND NARRATIVE CRAFT

Abstract

This article examines the artistic features of Anton Chekhov’s short stories, focusing on his distinctive narrative techniques, characterization, psychological depth, dialogue, symbolism, irony, and treatment of everyday life. Chekhov occupies a significant position in world literature because he transformed the short story from a predominantly event-centered form into a sophisticated genre capable of conveying complex psychological and philosophical meanings through seemingly ordinary situations. His stories often lack conventional dramatic plots, yet they create powerful emotional and intellectual effects through subtle characterization, understatement, open endings, and carefully selected details. Particular attention is given to Chekhov’s representation of the inner world of the individual, the relationship between the character and social environment, and the interaction between external events and internal psychological processes. The study demonstrates that Chekhov’s artistic method is based on narrative economy, psychological realism, ambiguity, irony, and the principle of showing rather than explicitly explaining. His innovative approach significantly influenced the development of modern short fiction and established new possibilities for representing human consciousness in literature.