Introduction: “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
“An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov, an influential writer, was published in 1886 as part of the collection “Motley Stories” or “Pestrye rasskazy”. This marked a significant milestone in Chekhov’s writing career, as it showcased his unique blend of humor and incisive social commentary. Through this collection, Chekhov’s signature style began to take shape, demonstrating his mastery of crafting stories that both entertain and provoke thought.
Main Events in “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- Voldyrev’s Arrival at the Government Office:
- Voldyrev, a country gentleman, enters the government office to make an inquiry.
- He encounters a porter and asks for directions to the inquiry desk.
- Interaction with the Clerk:
- Voldyrev approaches the clerk, who is absorbed in his work and indifferent to his presence.
- Despite Voldyrev’s repeated attempts to get the clerk’s attention, he is ignored.
- Frustration and Persistence:
- Voldyrev becomes increasingly frustrated as the clerk continues to disregard him.
- He tries to draw the clerk’s attention to his lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin but is unsuccessful.
- Offering a Bribe:
- In a desperate attempt to get the clerk’s attention, Voldyrev lays a rouble note on the clerk’s desk.
- The clerk momentarily notices the money but quickly returns to his work.
- Further Attempts to Communicate:
- Voldyrev tries to engage the clerk in conversation about his case, but the clerk remains preoccupied.
- Suggestion from the Porter:
- The porter advises Voldyrev to offer more money to the clerk to secure his cooperation.
- Offering a Larger Bribe:
- Voldyrev lays another rouble note on the clerk’s desk, hoping to finally get his attention.
- The Clerk’s Response:
- The clerk finally acknowledges Voldyrev and becomes attentive to his needs.
- He provides the necessary information and assistance regarding Voldyrev’s inquiry.
- Sudden Change in Attitude:
- Once the clerk is engaged with Voldyrev, he becomes friendly and helpful, offering assistance with the inquiry and making small talk.
- Completion of the Inquiry:
- The clerk efficiently handles Voldyrev’s request, arranges for a copy of the resolution, and provides additional assistance.
- Voldyrev leaves the office feeling uncomfortable but satisfied with the outcome of his inquiry.
- Parting Gift:
- Before leaving, Voldyrev gives the clerk another rouble as a token of appreciation.
- The clerk graciously accepts the money, bowing and smiling in gratitude.
- Reflection on the Encounter:
- Voldyrev reflects on the encounter with the clerk and the system of bribery and corruption within the government office.
- Despite his discomfort, he acknowledges the necessity of offering bribes to expedite bureaucratic processes.
Literary Devices in “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
| Device | Explanation |
| Allusion | Reference to the “Council of the second of March” without explanation, assuming the reader is familiar with the context. |
| Characterization | Chekhov’s vivid descriptions of Voldyrev and the clerk, revealing their personalities and traits. |
| Contrast | The clerk’s sudden change from indifference to enthusiasm after receiving the third rouble note. |
| Dialogue | Conversations between Voldyrev and the clerk, revealing their characters and advancing the plot. |
| Flashback | Voldyrev’s recollection of his lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin. |
| Hyperbole | The clerk’s exaggerated reactions and movements, such as his “hurricane-like” liveliness. |
| Imagery | Vivid descriptions of settings and characters, like the “green table spotted like typhus” and the clerk’s “long pimply nose”. |
| Irony | Voldyrev’s frustration and helplessness despite his wealth and social status. |
| Juxtaposition | The contrast between Voldyrev’s dignified appearance and his humiliating treatment by the clerk. |
| Metaphor | Comparing the clerk’s writing to a “hurricane” and the rouble notes to “conjuring tricks”. |
| Motif | The recurring theme of corruption and bribery in the government office. |
| Narrative Structure | The story’s linear progression, following Voldyrev’s visit to the government office. |
| Pathos | Evoking sympathy for Voldyrev’s plight and frustration. |
| Personification | Attributing human-like qualities to the fly, which “walked” and “settled” on the clerk’s ear. |
| Satire | Chekhov’s critique of bureaucratic corruption and inefficiency. |
| Setting | The vivid description of the government office, creating a sense of atmosphere and context. |
| Symbolism | The rouble notes symbolizing bribery and corruption. |
| Tone | Chekhov’s sarcastic and ironic tone, conveyed through the narrative voice and character interactions. |
| Verisimilitude | The realistic portrayal of a government office and its inner workings. |
Characterization in “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
Major Character: Voldyrev
- Appearance: Voldyrev is portrayed as a tall, thick-set country gentleman with a cropped head and prominent eyes. This physical description suggests his stature and presence.
- Actions: He takes the initiative to inquire at the government office, persistently attempts to gain the clerk’s attention, and resorts to offering bribes to expedite the process. These actions demonstrate his determination and frustration with bureaucratic inefficiency.
- Thoughts and Feelings: Throughout the story, Voldyrev experiences increasing frustration and desperation as he is repeatedly ignored by the clerk. His discomfort with the system of bribery is evident in his inner reflections.
Minor Character: Clerk
- Appearance: The clerk is described as a young man with hair standing up in four tufts, a long pimply nose, and a care-worn expression. This physical description adds to the clerk’s portrayal as indifferent and absorbed in his work.
- Actions: Initially, the clerk is entirely absorbed in his tasks, ignoring Voldyrev’s attempts to communicate. It is only after receiving bribes that he becomes attentive and helpful.
- Thoughts and Feelings: While the story does not directly delve into the clerk’s inner thoughts and feelings, his actions suggest a lack of concern for the needs of others until incentivized.
Minor Character: Porter
- Appearance: The porter’s appearance is not explicitly described in the story.
- Actions: He provides Voldyrev with directions to the inquiry desk and suggests offering a bribe to the clerk to expedite the process. This indicates his familiarity with the inner workings of the government office and the prevalence of corruption.
- Thoughts and Feelings: The porter’s advice to Voldyrev reflects a pragmatic understanding of how to navigate the bureaucracy, indicating a resignation to the system’s flaws.
Examples from the Story:
- Voldyrev’s frustration is palpable as he repeatedly tries to gain the clerk’s attention to no avail.
- The clerk’s indifference is underscored by his lack of response until he is enticed with bribes.
- The porter’s suggestion highlights the systemic corruption within the government office, portraying a bleak reality of bureaucratic inefficiency.
Major Themes in “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- Bureaucracy and Inefficiency: The story is a masterclass in depicting the frustrating nature of bureaucracy. Voldyrev politely inquires about his case but is repeatedly ignored. The clerks, described as a “scribbling brotherhood” focus on paperwork and swatting flies rather than assisting him. Voldyrev coughs, blows his nose, and tries to get their attention for a full two minutes before resorting to other measures. This extended sequence emphasizes the inefficiency and indifference of the bureaucratic system.
- Corruption: The turning point in the story arrives when Voldyrev resorts to bribery. He lays a rouble note on an open book before the clerk, who promptly ignores him. Only after placing another rouble note on the book does the clerk finally acknowledge Voldyrev. This blatant exchange highlights the corrupt nature of the system, where basic services are only obtainable through unofficial means. The story doesn’t judge Voldyrev for resorting to bribery, instead focusing on the system that necessitates such actions.
- Social Class: Chekhov subtly critiques the disparity in social treatment based on class. Voldyrev, despite being a landowner, is initially disregarded by the lower-ranking clerks. The clerk doesn’t even acknowledge him, shouting instead about a merchant who needs to sign a complaint. This highlights the power dynamic at play. However, once Voldyrev offers bribes, he is treated with respect and deference. The clerk becomes “as lively as though he were whirled round by a hurricane,” providing information, a copy of the resolution, and even small talk about the weather. The story exposes the hypocrisy of the social hierarchy, where outward respect is easily bought, not earned.
- Isolation and Helplessness: Voldyrev’s experience is marked by a sense of isolation. He is unable to navigate the complex bureaucratic system on his own. The silence after his inquiries lasts for two minutes, emphasizing his feeling of being unheard and powerless. The porter’s advice to bribe the clerk further underscores Voldyrev’s helplessness within the system. Chekhov evokes a sense of sympathy for the individual struggling within a larger, uncaring system.
Writing Style in “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- Concise and direct language:
- Example: “IT was midday. Voldyrev, a tall, thick-set country gentleman… took off his overcoat, mopped his brow with his silk handkerchief, and somewhat diffidently went into the government office.”
- Vivid descriptions:
- Example: “a young man with his hair standing up in four tufts on his head, with a long pimply nose, and a long faded uniform”
- Satirical tone:
- Example: “They write! They write, the devil take them entirely!” (Voldyrev’s frustrated thought)
- Irony:
- Example: Voldyrev’s dignified appearance and social status contrasted with his humiliating treatment by the clerk
- Symbolism:
- Example: The rouble notes symbolizing bribery and corruption
- Characterization through action:
- Example: The clerk’s sudden change from indifference to enthusiasm after receiving the third rouble note
- Dialogue revealing character:
- Example: Voldyrev’s polite and respectful language vs. the clerk’s dismissive and rude tone
- Imagery and sensory details:
- Example: “a green table spotted like typhus”, “a fly was walking about near his right nostril”
- Bureaucratic language and jargon:
- Example: “the resolution of the Council of the second of March”, “the complaint lodged with the police”
- Contrast and juxtaposition:
- Example: Voldyrev’s dignified appearance vs. the clerk’s disheveled and unprofessional appearance
- Realistic portrayal of setting:
- Example: The vivid description of the government office, including the “scratching” sounds of writing and the “furthest recesses” of the office
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
1. Realism:
- Focus on Everyday Life: Chekhov’s story is a prime example of realism. It depicts a mundane situation – a man trying to navigate a bureaucratic maze – with meticulous detail. The descriptions of the office, the clerk’s appearance, and even the fly buzzing around him create a sense of authenticity and familiarity.
- Social Commentary: Realism often critiques social issues. Here, Chekhov exposes the inefficiency and corruption within the bureaucracy. The indifferent, fly-chasing clerk only becomes helpful after receiving bribes. This highlights the plight of ordinary citizens who are forced to navigate a system rigged against them.
2. Marxism:
- Class Conflict: A Marxist interpretation would focus on the power dynamics between social classes. Voldyrev, despite being a landowner, is powerless against the lower-ranking clerk. The clerk’s dismissive behavior and demands for bribes reflect the exploitation of the upper class over the working class.
- Alienation: Marxism also explores the concept of alienation from labor. The clerk’s monotonous routine of copying documents contributes to a sense of alienation from his work. He lacks any real agency or control over his role within the system.
3. Absurdism:
- Meaninglessness of Existence: An absurdist approach would view Voldyrev’s struggle as inherently meaningless. His attempts to navigate the bureaucracy are met with frustration and absurdity. The act of repeatedly offering bribes becomes a comical yet futile attempt to make sense of a nonsensical system.
- Isolation of the Individual: Absurdism emphasizes the isolation of the individual in a chaotic world. Voldyrev’s repeated attempts to communicate are ignored, highlighting the absurdity of human connection. The story’s ending, where Voldyrev feels strangely compelled to offer another bribe, reinforces this sense of isolation and powerlessness.
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Corruption and Bureaucracy | How does Chekhov portray the corrupt and inefficient nature of the government office in “An Inquiry”? | In “An Inquiry”, Chekhov uses satire and irony to expose the corrupt and bureaucratic system of the government office, highlighting the struggle of the individual against the oppressive and indifferent authorities. |
| Social Class and Status | How does Chekhov use Voldyrev’s character to comment on social class and status in “An Inquiry”? | Through Voldyrev’s experiences, Chekhov critiques the social hierarchy of Imperial Russia, revealing how wealth and status are no guarantee of respect or fair treatment, and highlighting the vulnerabilities of the upper class. |
| Power Dynamics and Control | How does Chekhov portray the power dynamics between Voldyrev and the clerk in “An Inquiry”? | In “An Inquiry”, Chekhov explores the theme of power and control, demonstrating how the clerk’s manipulation of Voldyrev reveals the corrupting influence of authority and the ways in which those in power maintain control over others. |
| Absurdity and Futility | How does Chekhov use absurdity and futility to comment on the human condition in “An Inquiry”? | Through the absurd and futile interactions between Voldyrev and the clerk, Chekhov highlights the existential crisis of modern life, revealing the absurdity and futility of human endeavors in the face of bureaucratic indifference and the search for meaning. |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- What is the central conflict in “An Inquiry”? The central conflict revolves around Voldyrev’s futile attempts to navigate the bureaucratic system at the government office. Despite his earnest inquiries, he is repeatedly ignored by the clerk, highlighting the frustrations of dealing with bureaucratic inefficiency. This conflict is evident in Voldyrev’s increasing desperation and the clerk’s indifference to his needs.
- How does Voldyrev attempt to overcome the obstacles he faces in the government office? Voldyrev tries various tactics to gain the clerk’s attention and expedite his inquiry. He persistently addresses the clerk, attempts to engage him in conversation, and ultimately resorts to offering bribes to secure his cooperation. These actions reflect Voldyrev’s determination and frustration with the bureaucratic process, as he navigates the system’s complexities in search of a resolution to his inquiry.
- What role does bribery play in the story? Bribery serves as a means for Voldyrev to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles he encounters at the government office. When traditional methods of communication fail, Voldyrev resorts to offering bribes to the clerk in exchange for his cooperation. The porter even advises him to offer more money to expedite the process, highlighting the prevalence of corruption within the system. This theme underscores the story’s critique of bureaucratic inefficiency and the moral compromises individuals are forced to make in order to navigate it.
- How does Chekhov characterize the clerk and the porter? Chekhov characterizes the clerk as indifferent and absorbed in his work, initially ignoring Voldyrev’s inquiries until bribed. In contrast, the porter is portrayed as pragmatic and knowledgeable about the inner workings of the government office. He offers Voldyrev advice on how to navigate the bureaucracy, reflecting a resigned acceptance of the system’s flaws. These characterizations add depth to the story’s exploration of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, portraying a bleak reality of societal dysfunction.
Literary Works Similar to “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol: Gogol’s story explores themes of bureaucratic absurdity and the dehumanizing effects of a rigid social hierarchy. Similar to “An Inquiry,” it depicts the struggles of a low-ranking government clerk who faces indifference and mistreatment from his superiors.
- “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: Melville’s story delves into the life of a scrivener who gradually withdraws from society and refuses to perform his duties, embodying themes of alienation and resistance to authority. Like “An Inquiry,” it critiques the dehumanizing nature of bureaucratic systems.
- “The Nose” by Nikolai Gogol: In this satirical tale, a man wakes up to find that his nose has inexplicably disappeared, leading to absurd encounters with authority figures and a bureaucratic investigation. Like “An Inquiry,” it employs humor and absurdity to critique societal norms and bureaucratic inefficiency.
- “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov: Chekhov’s story revolves around a bet between a banker and a young lawyer, exploring themes of morality, materialism, and the corrupting influence of wealth. While different in plot, it shares Chekhov’s characteristic focus on human nature and societal critique.
- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Jackson’s chilling story depicts a small town’s annual lottery, revealing the dark underbelly of conformity and mob mentality. Like “An Inquiry,” it explores themes of social conformity, power dynamics, and the dangers of blindly following tradition.
Suggested Readings about/on “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
- Bayley, John. Chekhov: A Biographical and Critical Study. Cambridge University Press, 1983.
- Chekhov, Anton. The Collected Short Stories of Anton Chekhov. DigiCat, 2022.
- Chekhov, Anton. Anton Chekhov: The Collected Novellas and Short Stories in Multiple Translations. DigiCat, 2023.
- Chekhov, Anton. The Collected Works of Anton Chekhov: Plays, Novellas, Short Stories, Autobiographical Writings & Reminiscences. DigiCat, 2023.
- Hagan, John. “Chekhov’s Fiction and the Ideal of “Objectivity”.” PMLA 81.5 (1966): 409-417.
Representative Quotations from “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Where can I make an inquiry here?” | Voldyrev seeks assistance upon entering the government office to make an inquiry about a resolution of the Council. | Reader-Response Criticism: Initiates reader engagement by presenting a question that establishes the narrative conflict and prompts curiosity about the unfolding events. |
| “Can I make an inquiry here?” | Voldyrev repeats his inquiry to the clerk, who remains absorbed in his work and indifferent to his presence. | Marxist Criticism: Reflects the power dynamics within bureaucratic systems, where lower-ranking individuals struggle for attention and assistance from those in positions of authority. |
| “A little inquiry… May I trouble you?” | Voldyrev attempts to engage the clerk in conversation, emphasizing the simplicity and brevity of his request. | Structuralism: Highlights the significance of language and communication in shaping interpersonal interactions, as Voldyrev seeks to navigate the bureaucratic system through verbal exchange. |
| “They write!” | Voldyrev’s frustrated thought as he observes the clerks immersed in their tasks, ignoring his inquiries. | Postcolonial Criticism: Suggests a critique of hierarchical power structures and the marginalization of individuals within bureaucratic institutions, reflecting themes of oppression and alienation. |
| “You give him three roubles.” | The porter advises Voldyrev to offer a larger bribe to the clerk to secure his cooperation in the inquiry. | Feminist Criticism: Illustrates the commodification of assistance, where individuals with financial resources exert power and influence over those in subordinate positions, perpetuating systemic inequalities. |
| “Ah… what do you want?” | The clerk finally acknowledges Voldyrev’s presence after being offered a bribe, displaying sudden attentiveness. | Psychoanalytic Criticism: Implies a shift in the clerk’s subconscious motivations, as the promise of financial gain prompts him to engage with Voldyrev and fulfill his duties. |
| “The Gugulin case, isn’t it? Very good.” | The clerk becomes cooperative and lively after receiving the bribe, providing assistance with Voldyrev’s inquiry and engaging in friendly conversation. | New Historicism: Reflects the transactional nature of interpersonal relationships within bureaucratic systems, where bribery facilitates social interaction and influences outcomes. |
| “Well, what people!” | Voldyrev reflects on the encounter as he leaves the government office, acknowledging the societal norms and behaviors observed during his inquiry. | Cultural Criticism: Offers insight into social dynamics and norms within bureaucratic institutions, emphasizing the acceptance and normalization of bribery as a means of navigating bureaucratic processes. |
