The Party

"Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (9 January 1860 – 15 July 1904) was a Russian playwright and short story writer best known for his infamous four plays “The Seagull”, “The Cherry Orchard”, “The Three Sisters” and “Uncle Vanya” which shaped modern theatre as we know it today. Despite of the fact that he is best known for his work as a playwright, Chekhov is considered to be one of the greatest writers of the short story form among critics. He completed more than 200 works throughout his lifetime. Chekhov wrote “The Party” in 1888. The story revolves around a young woman, Olga Mihalovna, who is expecting her first child with her husband, Pyotr Dmitritch. They are throwing a party in celebration of Pyotr Dmitritch’s name-day and, as one could imagine, there are a lot of guests to entertain and dinners to be served. In need of a moment’s rest away from all the fuss and tiresome conversations, Olga Mihalovna decides to take a walk in the garden alone. She ends up overhearing a conversation between her husband and a 17-year-old girl during which he pours out his soul to her. Overwhelmed with anger and jealousy, Olga Mihalovna recalls how distant and cold her husband has acted towards her lately, not sharing his thoughts or feelings and being dishonest and deceiving. As the day unfolds, an unfortunate turn of events reminds both of the spouses of what is really important to them."