“A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov: An Analysis

Introduction: “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

“A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov first appeared in print in 1886, the exact publication details of which has remained a matter of some scholarly debate. It is believed to have been included in a literary journal or almanac of the period. The story later found a permanent home within one of Chekhov’s renowned short story collections. These collections, admired for their insightful depictions of ordinary life, subtle critiques of society, and masterful character portrayals, became Chekhov’s hallmark. The same qualities, along with the author’s clear prose and timeless themes, have secured “A Defenseless Creature” a coveted position on many a school syllabus, ensuring its continued relevance for new generations of readers.

Main Events in “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

1. Kistunov’s Determined Attendance: Despite a severe attack of gout, Kistunov goes to his office in the morning to attend to clients and petitions at the bank, exhibiting signs of exhaustion.
2. Madame Shtchukin’s Petition: Madame Shtchukin, a petitioner, seeks help for her husband’s dismissal and salary deduction during illness, presenting her case to Kistunov.
3. Misplaced Petition: Kistunov finds Madame Shtchukin’s petition irrelevant to the bank’s affairs, explaining that her husband’s employment falls under a different department.
4. Desperate Pleas: Madame Shtchukin implores Kistunov for assistance, citing her dire circumstances and inability to find resolution elsewhere.
5. Frustrated Explanations: Kistunov, struggling with exhaustion and irritation, attempts to explain the situation to Madame Shtchukin repeatedly, but to no avail.
6. Office Frustration: Kistunov’s clerks also try to reason with Madame Shtchukin, facing similar frustration and exhaustion in the process.
7. Escalating Tension: Tensions escalate as Madame Shtchukin becomes increasingly agitated and confrontational, leading to a confrontation with one of the clerks.
8. Resolution Offered: Overwhelmed, Kistunov eventually offers financial assistance to Madame Shtchukin, providing her with the requested amount of money to resolve the issue.
9. Persistent Demands: Despite the resolution, Madame Shtchukin continues to press for further assistance, seeking a job for her husband and extending her stay at the bank.
10. Lingering Impact: The encounter leaves Kistunov and his staff drained and anxious, with Madame Shtchukin returning the next day, suggesting that the situation is far from resolved.

Literary Devices in “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

Literary Device	Example from the Story	Explanation
1. Irony	Kistunov, a banker, is unable to handle financial matters efficiently.	The irony lies in the fact that Kistunov, who works in finance, struggles with financial issues.
2. Symbolism	Madame Shtchukin’s dung-beetle-like appearance symbolizes her persistence and tenacity.	The dung beetle is known for its persistence in rolling dung, reflecting Madame Shtchukin’s persistent pursuit of her cause.
3. Metaphor	Madame Shtchukin describes herself as a “weak, defenseless woman.”	This metaphor emphasizes her vulnerability and emphasizes her plea for help.
4. Foreshadowing	Kistunov’s initial exhaustion foreshadows the draining encounter with Madame Shtchukin.	It hints at the challenges and frustrations he will face throughout the story.
5. Alliteration	“She’s worn me out and she’ll exhaust them, the nasty creature!”	The repetition of the “w” sound emphasizes Kistunov’s weariness and frustration.
6. Hyperbole	Madame Shtchukin exaggerates her situation, claiming she can barely stand or eat.	This hyperbolic language underscores her desperation and emphasizes her plea for help.
7. Personification	Kistunov describes his migraine as “coming back.”	The migraine is personified as if it were a recurring visitor, adding vividness to the description.
8. Simile	Madame Shtchukin compares herself to “a crab, rolling her eyes and prodding the air.”	This simile vividly portrays Madame Shtchukin’s agitated and confrontational demeanor.
9. Imagery	“Everything began swimming before Kistunov’s eyes.”	This imagery conveys Kistunov’s overwhelming sense of exhaustion and disorientation.
10. Repetition	Madame Shtchukin repeatedly refers to herself as “a weak, defenseless woman.”	The repetition emphasizes her vulnerability and reinforces her plea for sympathy.
11. Conflict	The confrontation between Madame Shtchukin and the bank clerks creates conflict.	Conflict arises from the clash of Madame Shtchukin’s demands and the bank’s inability to meet them.
12. Suspense	The reader wonders how Kistunov will resolve Madame Shtchukin’s persistent demands.	Suspense builds as the encounter unfolds, leaving readers curious about the outcome.
13. Satire	Chekhov satirizes bureaucracy and inefficiency in handling individual cases.	Through exaggerated characters and situations, Chekhov critiques bureaucratic systems.
14. Allegory	Madame Shtchukin’s struggle represents the difficulties faced by ordinary people in dealing with bureaucracy.	Her plight serves as an allegory for broader societal challenges.
15. Juxtaposition	Kistunov’s exhaustion is juxtaposed with Madame Shtchukin’s persistent demands.	The contrast highlights the imbalance of power and the intensity of the encounter.
16. Tone	Kistunov’s weary tone reflects his frustration and helplessness.	The tone conveys his emotional state and adds depth to the narrative.
17. Theme	The theme of powerlessness and frustration in the face of bureaucracy is prominent.	The story explores how individuals can feel powerless when dealing with bureaucratic systems.
18. Paradox	Madame Shtchukin’s persistence simultaneously annoys and garners sympathy from Kistunov.	The paradox lies in the conflicting emotions Kistunov feels towards Madame Shtchukin.
19. Ambiguity	The resolution leaves the reader uncertain about Madame Shtchukin’s future actions.	The ambiguity adds complexity to the story, leaving room for interpretation.
20. Imaginative Language	Chekhov’s use of vivid language paints a picture of the chaotic encounter.	The imaginative language enhances the reader’s engagement and immersion in the story.

Characterization in “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

1. Kistunov:

• Physical Description: Kistunov is portrayed as languid, exhausted, and frail, exhibiting signs of physical weakness due to his recent gout attack.
• Behavior: Despite his physical condition, Kistunov remains determined to fulfill his duties at the bank, showing a sense of responsibility and dedication.
• Emotional State: He experiences frustration, irritation, and helplessness when dealing with Madame Shtchukin’s persistent demands, reflecting his emotional exhaustion.
• Example: Kistunov’s repeated sighs, gestures of fatigue, and expressions of irritation convey his emotional and physical state throughout the encounter with Madame Shtchukin.

2. Madame Shtchukin:

• Physical Appearance: Described as having a dung-beetle-like appearance from behind, Madame Shtchukin’s physical portrayal suggests persistence and tenacity.
• Behavior: Madame Shtchukin is persistent, confrontational, and unrelenting in her demands for assistance, displaying a determined and assertive demeanor.
• Emotional State: She exhibits desperation, anxiety, and indignation, emphasizing her vulnerable position and the urgency of her situation.
• Example: Madame Shtchukin’s repeated pleas for help, confrontations with the bank clerks, and agitated behavior highlight her emotional turmoil and determination to seek justice.

3. Bank Clerks:

• Professionalism: The clerks, including Alexey Nikolaitch and the accountant, demonstrate professionalism and patience in attempting to address Madame Shtchukin’s concerns.
• Frustration: Despite their efforts, the clerks become increasingly frustrated and exhausted by Madame Shtchukin’s persistent demands and confrontational behavior.
• Authority: They represent the bank’s authority and attempt to uphold its policies and procedures, albeit with varying degrees of success.
• Example: The clerks’ attempts to reason with Madame Shtchukin, their expressions of frustration, and eventual confrontation with her showcase their roles in the encounter and their reactions to the situation.

4. Supporting Characters (Porter, Nikita):

• Minor Roles: The porter and Nikita play minor roles in the story, providing background context and assisting with logistical tasks.
• Observation: They witness the interaction between Kistunov, Madame Shtchukin, and the bank clerks, serving as bystanders to the unfolding events.
• Example: The porter’s presence in the vestibule and Nikita’s task of fetching laurel drops for the clerks contribute to the setting and atmosphere of the scene without directly impacting the main conflict.

Major Themes in “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

• The Labyrinthine Bureaucracy and the Trapped Individual: Chekhov creates a scene that exposes the nightmarish nature of bureaucracy. For example, Madame Shtchukin, desperate for help, finds herself lost in a maze of unfamiliar procedures and uncaring officials. Despite her repeated attempts to explain her situation, she’s shutt back and forth between departments, her pleas met with confusion and dismissal. The story emphasizes the powerlessness of the individual against the impersonal and incomprehensible bureaucratic machine.
• The Abuse of Power Within the System: The bank clerks, particularly Alexey Nikolaitch, wield their limited authority with cruelty. They exhibit no respect for Madame Shtchukin’s desperation, using sarcasm, belittling language, and even threats of force to silence her. Their treatment becomes a microcosm of how power can corrupt even low-level functionaries within a system designed to serve the public.
• The Absence of Empathy in a Cold World: Madame Shtchukin’s repeated pleas about being a “weak, defenceless woman” fall on deaf ears. The bank clerks show no sign of understanding or compassion for her difficult situation. They are focused solely on ridding themselves of an inconvenience, further isolating Madame Shtchukin and highlighting the dehumanizing aspect of a society that prioritizes procedure over humanity.
• The Dehumanizing Nature of Institutions: Both Madame Shtchukin and the bank clerks become dehumanized by their interactions within the system. Madame Shtchukin is reduced to a persistent pest, her individuality stripped away by her pleas for basic assistance. The bank clerks themselves are reduced to automatons, following procedures without thought for the human cost. The bank functions as a soulless machine, grinding down both those seeking help and those who work within its confines.

Writing Style in “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

1. Realism: Chekhov’s writing reflects the everyday lives of ordinary people, portraying the mundane and often frustrating aspects of bureaucracy and human interaction. The characters, dialogue, and situations are grounded in reality, allowing readers to relate to the story’s themes and conflicts.
2. Subtle Irony: Chekhov employs irony to highlight the absurdity and inefficiency of bureaucratic systems. Through the interactions between Kistunov, Madame Shtchukin, and the bank clerks, Chekhov subtly critiques the shortcomings of institutions and the struggles faced by individuals within them.
3. Psychological Depth: Chekhov delves into the internal thoughts and emotions of his characters, offering insights into their motivations, fears, and frustrations. This psychological depth adds complexity to the story and enhances readers’ understanding of the characters’ actions and decisions.
4. Economy of Language: Chekhov’s writing is characterized by its simplicity and economy of language. He conveys complex ideas and emotions with precision and clarity, using concise dialogue and descriptive prose to paint a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings.
5. Naturalistic Dialogue: Chekhov’s dialogue feels authentic and natural, capturing the rhythms and cadences of everyday speech. The conversations between characters flow seamlessly, revealing their personalities, conflicts, and relationships through their interactions.
6. Ambiguity: Chekhov often leaves certain elements of the story open to interpretation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions and insights. This ambiguity adds depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to engage actively with the text and its themes.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

Literary Theory	Interpretation in “A Defenseless Creature”	Example and Explanation
1. Realism	The story reflects the everyday struggles of individuals dealing with bureaucracy and societal norms.	Example: Chekhov realistically portrays the frustrations of Madame Shtchukin as she navigates the bureaucratic hurdles to seek justice for her husband’s dismissal and salary deduction.
		Explanation: Through realistic characters and settings, Chekhov captures the mundane yet impactful challenges faced by ordinary people, shedding light on societal issues and human experiences.
2. Psychoanalytic	Characters’ behavior and conflicts can be interpreted through their unconscious desires and motivations.	Example: Kistunov’s exhaustion and emotional turmoil may stem from repressed feelings of inadequacy or guilt, influencing his interactions with Madame Shtchukin.
		Explanation: By examining the characters’ internal struggles and subconscious drives, psychoanalytic theory offers insights into their actions and emotions, enriching the interpretation of the story.
3. Feminist Criticism	The story can be analyzed through the lens of gender dynamics and power structures within society.	Example: Madame Shtchukin’s portrayal as a “defenseless woman” highlights the challenges faced by women in asserting their rights and seeking justice in a patriarchal society.
		Explanation: Feminist criticism explores how gender roles and societal expectations influence characters’ behaviors and relationships, providing valuable insights into the story’s themes and conflicts.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statements
Bureaucratic Inefficiency	How does Chekhov portray the challenges of navigating bureaucracy in “A Defenseless Creature”?	In “A Defenseless Creature,” Chekhov critiques bureaucratic inefficiency and its impact on individuals, highlighting the frustration and powerlessness experienced by those caught in its web.
Gender Dynamics and Power	How do gender dynamics influence the interactions between Madame Shtchukin and the male characters in the story?	Chekhov explores the unequal power dynamics between genders in “A Defenseless Creature,” revealing the challenges faced by women in asserting their rights within a patriarchal society.
Psychological Struggles	What role do psychological factors play in shaping the characters’ behavior and decisions in the story?	Through nuanced characterizations, Chekhov delves into the psychological struggles of the protagonists in “A Defenseless Creature,” revealing the complex interplay between emotions, motivations, and societal pressures.
Critique of Social Class	How does Chekhov critique social class distinctions and their impact on individuals’ access to justice and support?	In “A Defenseless Creature,” Chekhov exposes the injustices perpetuated by social class divisions, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized individuals and the barriers they face in seeking recourse.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

• What is the main conflict in “A Defenseless Creature”?
• The main conflict arises from Madame Shtchukin’s desperate attempt to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare. Despite needing her husband’s withheld salary, the bank she visits has no authority over his situation. The story opens with Kistunov, the bank director, already drained from illness, further emphasizing the overwhelming nature of her situation. (“A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov)
• How does Chekhov portray the bureaucracy in the story?
• Chekhov paints a bleak picture of the bureaucracy as a labyrinthine and uncaring system. Madame Shtchukin is bounced between departments with no clear resolution. The clerks themselves seem exasperated by the system’s complexity, further highlighting its inefficiency. (“… surely your husband must know where you are to apply?” Kistunov said irritably… “We can’t make her see anything…” said Alexey Nikolaitch)
• What examples of power imbalance are evident in the story?
• The story showcases a power imbalance on two levels. Firstly, the bank officials hold all the authority within the system. They dismiss Madame Shtchukin’s pleas and can even resort to threats to remove her. Secondly, Kistunov, the director, suffers from his own illness and the stress of dealing with both Madame Shtchukin and the demands of his job. This highlights how even those in positions of power can be limited by circumstances. (“…be off, you pest,” hissed Alexey Nikolaitch… “I am going… I am ill …” said Kistunov in a weary voice)
• What is the significance of the title “A Defenseless Creature”?
• The title “A Defenseless Creature” refers primarily to Madame Shtchukin. She is presented as vulnerable and powerless against the bureaucracy and the dismissive attitudes of the bank clerks. However, it can also be seen to apply to Kistunov, who is clearly ill and burdened by his responsibilities. The title underscores the fragility of individuals within a system that lacks compassion

Literary Works Similar to “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

1. “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol: This story explores themes of social alienation, bureaucracy, and the struggles of an ordinary man against a dehumanizing system, much like Chekhov’s “A Defenseless Creature.”
2. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: Like Chekhov’s story, this tale delves into the complexities of human interaction and the absurdities of bureaucracy, focusing on the passive resistance of the titular character against oppressive societal norms.
3. “The Wall” by Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre’s story examines existential themes and the absurdity of life through the experiences of characters facing existential crises and grappling with the indifference of the world around them, resonating with Chekhov’s exploration of human frailty.
4. “The Nose” by Nikolai Gogol: Another work by Gogol, “The Nose,” is a satirical tale that critiques social hierarchy and bureaucracy, much like Chekhov’s story. It features absurd situations and explores the absurdities of everyday life.
5. “A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka: Kafka’s story delves into themes of isolation, alienation, and the quest for meaning in a world governed by indifferent forces. It shares similarities with Chekhov’s exploration of human vulnerability and the struggle against societal constraints.

Suggested Readings about/on “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

Representative Quotations from “A Defenseless Creature” by Anton Chekhov

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I am a weak, defenceless woman…”	Madame Shtchukin’s repeated phrase to gain sympathy	Feminist theory: highlights gender roles and power dynamics, relating to the quote “The personal is political” (Carol Hanisch, 1969) as Madame Shtchukin uses her gender to manipulate the situation.
“What can I do for you?”	Kistunov’s exhausted tone sets the tone for the encounter	Marxist theory: shows class struggle and bureaucratic indifference, relating to the quote “The ruling ideas of each age have ever been the ideas of its ruling class” (Karl Marx, 1845) as Kistunov’s exhaustion reflects the oppression of the working class.
“Your Excellency, make me remember you in my prayers for the rest of my days, have pity on a lone, lorn woman…”	Madame Shtchukin’s manipulative appeal to Kistunov	Psychoanalytic theory: reveals her passive-aggressive behavior, relating to the quote “The unconscious mind is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, and memories that are outside of our conscious awareness but that influence our behavior and emotions” (Sigmund Freud, 1915) as Madame Shtchukin’s behavior is driven by her unconscious desires for control and sympathy.
“Ough!… my heart is throbbing.”	Kistunov’s physical and emotional distress	Symbolic theory: his heart problems symbolize emotional turmoil, relating to the quote “The symbol is the thing which speaks to the soul” (Oscar Wilde, 1888) as Kistunov’s heart problems represent the emotional burden of his encounter with Madame Shtchukin.
“You screw!… Don’t be too free with your hands.”	Madame Shtchukin’s outburst at Alexey Nikolaitch	Postcolonial theory: highlights power dynamics and oppression, relating to the quote “The colonizer constructs the colonized in his own image” (Frantz Fanon, 1961) as Madame Shtchukin asserts her power over Alexey Nikolaitch.
“Take it and… and go away!”	Kistunov’s desperate surrender to Madame Shtchukin	Existentialist theory: shows the absurdity and futility of human interactions, relating to the quote “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is forced to choose” (Jean-Paul Sartre, 1943) as Kistunov is trapped in his situation and forced to make choices that lead to his surrender.