The story of Chekhov's “Chameleon”, reviews of which are collected in this article, was first published in the Shards magazine in 1884. The author signed his pseudonym A. Chehonte. This work has been translated into many foreign languages, in Russia it is included in the school curriculum, it is considered mandatory for reading. The story was even filmed. In 1971, he became part of the comedy television movie Igor Ilyinsky and Yuri Saakov, “These are different, different, different faces ...”, and in 2009 formed the basis of the animated short film by Alexei Demin “Ochumelov”.
Storyline
The story of Chekhov's "Chameleon", the reviews of which are given in this article, tells of a police overseer named Ochumelov. One day in the marketplace, he witnesses an outrageous incident.
Master Khryukin shows the crowd his index finger, for which he was bitten by a greyhound puppy. The crowd begins to find out who owns the dog, whether it is general or stray. Okhumelov, depending on how the status of the animal changes, he threatens to destroy him, or he promises to plant Khryukin himself.
Genre of work
In reviews of Chekhov's story "Chameleon", readers note that he belongs to one of the writer's most beloved genres - humorous. In the early period of his work, the author created a series of similar works in which he ridiculed all kinds of human flaws.
Chekhov uses various tricks in his stories. For example, in "Chameleon" uses speaking surnames. They emphasize some important feature in the appearance of the hero or the character of the character himself.
So, the name of the master whom the dog bit, Khryukin. This is fully consistent with his puffy, half-drunk face. The comic effect is enhanced by the apparent discrepancy between the surname and the position occupied by the character. For example, Khryukin works as a goldsmith.
Another humorous trick is the speech of the characters. It has many colloquial and jargon expressions, as well as expressive and emotional vocabulary. Rough expressions, which Ochumelov constantly uses, speak of his low cultural level.
Chameleon Analysis
According to reviews of the book "Chameleon" by Chekhov, you can make a full impression of this work. The main theme in the story is the theme of chameleonism.
The writer heartily makes fun of those who instantly change their point of view, depending on various circumstances. The theme of chameleonism is clearly visible not only in the described comic situation, but also in the speech of the characters. For example, police supervisor Ochumelov, having learned that the dog may belong to the general, begins to crouch in front of her. All this testifies to its venality and a strong dependence on the influential people of the city.
Ochumelov emphasizes his subordinates. But at the same time, he himself is ready to humiliate and grovel before people who have power and money.
Features of the story "Chameleon"
In reviews of Chekhov's Chameleon, you can learn about the features of the story. The plot of this work is based on a joke, that is, a short, funny and entertaining story.
Among the features it is worth highlighting that most of the text is occupied by dialogs, the description of what is happening is minimized. It is more reminiscent of copyright remarks. The story sometimes even becomes like a dramatic work. Internal, not external events, the psychological state of people come to the fore.
Chekhov manages to vividly describe Ochumelov’s paradoxical attitude to the situation. On the one hand, he wants to serve the general, and on the other, to show his importance to the people. The mood of the crowd is constantly changing, it also represents a kind of chameleon.
Story composition
In reviews of Chekhov's Chameleon, readers note how skillfully the writer builds the composition. He creates an exposition in just a few strokes, giving a sketch of the sleeping area.
In the eyeballs, the reader gets acquainted with Ochumelov, who, still not understanding anything, says: "Who shouted?" Moreover, as such, the classic climax is completely absent.
Exclamation sentences prevail in the story. After all, the police overseer feels his power, so his speech mainly consists of screaming and imperative intonations.
Characteristics
The title of the story reflects the whole essence of the main character Ochumelov. It is he who is the main chameleon. Everything that happens seems funny only at first sight.
At the very beginning, the police supervisor strives to create the appearance of conscientious service, being in the market square. He delves into all matters and incidents. Therefore, of course, seeks to understand what happened with Khryukin. He swears, threatens a fine to everyone around him until he finds out that the ordinary dog, which may belong to General Zhigalov, has become the culprit.
After that, Ochumelov begins to blame Khryukin for everything. Over the course of the story, he will change his point of view more than once, and readers will guess about the internal storm that is noisy in it, with just one phrase. Ochumelov will constantly ask his assistant Eldirin to take off his coat or put it on again.
At the heart of the story is the lively speech of the characters, each of the heroes with his cues gives out his character. In reviews of Chekhov's Chameleon, readers note that they are gradually starting to feel sad instead of laughing.
The ending of the story repeats the very beginning, so the work is looped. Ochumelov continues to walk across the square, threatening Khryukin alone. Such a composition allows the author to emphasize the main idea of the work. Ochumelov is not at all important to the truth. The main thing for him is the worship and service of the powerful. After all, his career growth and future well-being will directly depend on them. Nothing else worries him in this world.
Reviews about the story
In reviews of A.P. Chekhov's Chameleon, readers note that almost none of their characters are either sympathetic or sympathetic to them. Neither Ochumelov nor Khryukin.
To the latter, on the contrary, they begin to feel contempt, since this half-drunk character finds amusement clearly not by age and not by status. He sticks to a small and defenseless puppy, which eventually bites his finger.
So a brief review of Chekhov's “Chameleon” can be concluded by the fact that, perhaps, only this puppy arouses sympathy among readers. In the reviews, many note that this work exposes the most unpleasant aspects of man. Presenting all this in a comic form, Chekhov ridicules the lack of education, helpfulness and careerism of people for the sake of which they are ready to sacrifice their dignity and honor.