Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a talented Russian writer who very accurately reflected in his works the vices of the society of his era. A special place in his work is occupied by the cycle of short stories "The Little Trilogy" and "Ionych". Chekhov (we will give an analysis of one of his works below) then wrote in conditions of widespread social upsurge. He exposed that part of the intelligentsia, which not only does not take part in this upsurge, but, on the contrary, tries to isolate itself from life.
Driven by indifference and fear, she does not want to know the problems of the people. With tremendous satirical power, the theme of "case life" reveals in his simple at first glance works of Chekhov.
"Ionitch" tells us about the history of the spiritual and moral degradation of man. The story has 5 parts, 5 portraits of the protagonist.
The first is a portrait of Dr. Startsev - a young, intelligent, versed in art, with a good musical and literary taste, an energetic and cheerful person. This is what a true intellectual should be, as Chekhov believes (Ionych, chapter 1).
The second portrait. Before us is a full-bodied young man who prefers walking in a wheelchair when walking. Deprived of former vigor, but in love, and therefore capable of some crazy actions.
The third portrait. Feelings Startsev were shallow, love passes. He quickly calms down after an experienced failure.
Fourth portrait. Startsev is overweight, suffers from shortness of breath and already has three horses.
He became closed, he prefers playing cards in the spiritual life, he is unpleasant in society. Diligence gave way to coldness, the ability to pure, disinterested feelings went out.
The fifth portrait. Startsev became fattened completely, as a result of which his voice became thin and sharp. He went mad with greed. In relation to the sick, he lost all sensitivity, respect, compassion. He became rude, arrogant, evil. The townsfolk now consider him theirs and simply call Ionych. For some 10 years there has been a complete degradation of personality. A complete insignificance shows the hero Chekhov.
Ionitch does not give us unambiguous answers to the question of why there was such a quick spiritual decay of the once energetic and talented representative of the young intelligentsia. Perhaps Ekaterina Ivanovna is to blame for something, to which the doctor had tender feelings. Of course, he himself is to blame for something. However, most of the blame lies precisely with the surrounding Startsev society, Chekhov believes. Ionitch, leaving disappointed after an explanation with an older Katya, thinks to himself: "What kind of city should this be, even if the most talented people in it are so mediocre?"
The Turkins family personifies the entire supposedly advanced and educated part of society. Mercilessly ridicules her Chekhov. "Ionych", the analysis of which was made above, is replete with examples. At the beginning of the story, where the first visit of the Startsev to the Turkins' house is described, the young doctor still observes the smallest details with the unfinished look: both the fact that Vera Iosifovna’s novel has nothing to do with real life, and that Kotik has no musical talent, and how stupid and senseless the owner’s jokes are, but he does not pay much attention to this because of his love. When the veil fell from his eyes, and Startsev saw all the vulgarity happening around him, he did not come up with anything better than to become the same.