Chekhov's story “Defenseless creature”, written by him back in 1887, is more relevant than ever. Judge for yourself: a person who is distinguished by amazing meanness and cynicism, arrogantly, openly, not embarrassed by anyone, offers, or rather, makes others believe in something else - in a weak, defenseless, sick creature, trampled upon by everyone and unloved by anyone. The sweet-sweet wrapper cannot hide the truth, and people, nervous and bursting out, refuse the “petitioner”. It would seem that history could end there. But no, the gut of the “defenseless creature” is distinguished by its special shamelessness and rudeness: it asks, prays, falls into hysteria, then threatens, then cries again until it reaches its goal. Here all means are good ... It’s familiar, isn't it?
A. P. Chekhov, “A defenseless creature”
The general manager of the bank, Mr. Kistunov, despite a nightly attack of gout and nerves that played out after this, leaves for service in the morning. It is from this moment that the story begins, and hence the summary (Chekhov, “Defenseless creature”). He did not have time to cross the threshold of the institution when the petitioner addressed him in an old salop, resembling behind a "large dung beetle." Pyotr Nikolaevich languidly, tormented, breathing a little, asked her about the purpose of the visit. Ms. Schukina quickly filed a petition and “poured out” her grief with a tongue twister. The fact is that her husband, college assessor Schukin, was ill for several months and could not go to service. He was fired, and twenty-four rubles and thirty-six kopecks, which he allegedly took from a comradely cash desk, were deducted from the due salary. According to the crying woman, this is not possible, because the spouse cannot do anything without her consent ...
Kistunov was extremely surprised: the bank - a commercial, private enterprise - has nothing to do with the state military medical department. However, he did not become indignant and decided not to drive away the supplicant. Slowly, extremely patiently, he began to explain that he was unable to help her. In response, he only heard lamentations and tears. She is a poor, sick, defenseless woman who does not eat, does not sleep, and barely stands on her feet. She can wait if necessary, but let her be given at least fifteen rubles. Kistunov could not stand it and asked another employee, Alexei Nikolaevich, to do this.
Crushing pressure
We continue to tell a brief summary (Chekhov, "defenseless creature"). Half an hour has passed. Then another hour. Negotiations continued. Mrs. Schukina was again explained the difference between the departments. Examples were given that it is impossible, say, to ask for a divorce to go to a pharmacy or to an assay tent. In response, one: “Pity me, an orphan, poor, sick, defenseless ...” Alexey Nikolaevich could not stand it either. He was replaced by an accountant.
In the end, Mr. Kistunov, fearing that “remarkably vile”, “nasty woman”, “idiot, traffic jam” tortures and drives everyone in, decided to drive her away. But it was not there. A weak, defenseless woman will not allow anyone to mock her like that. She has already condemned the three tenants, will condemn this bank, will force them all to wallow at her feet.
In such tension passed all day. Screams were replaced by complaint and supplication, tears were interspersed with fury. The patience of Pyotr Nikolayevich was exhausted, and indignation from the boorish behavior of Mrs. Schukina completely exhausted him. He left the office, sat down exhausted on a chair, took a deep breath, took out his wallet and handed a bill of twenty-five rubles to the "defenseless creature". The woman instantly wrapped the money in a handkerchief, hid it and smiled sweetly and coquettishly: "Your Excellency, is it possible for my husband to enter the place again?"
Summary - Chekhov, "Defenseless creature." Conclusion
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov in his story, as always, is subtle and ironic. But at the same time, sadness and a certain helplessness and hopelessness slip between the lines in front of the staged absurdity and endless stupidity. Is it possible to resist “defenseless creatures”? On the one hand, yes, it is possible, but on the other, it is difficult, because dishonesty, all kinds of farce and cynicism in their extreme manifestation take away so much spiritual strength and energy that a normal person wants to quickly end this and run away. But it’s impossible, because Mrs. Schukina has already been refused in five places. So, it’s still possible. Summary (Chekhov, “Defenseless creature”), of course, cannot convey the entire subtlety and depth of the plot, so reading the original is highly recommended.