Anton Chekhov

Name: The Boor
Author: Anton Chekhov

The Boor (1888)

Summary

“The Boor”, published in 1888, is a work by Anton Chekhov. It explores elements such as Tobby, devil and woman.

Quotes from The Boor (Anton Chekhov)

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ But the worst of all is that this crocodile imagines it is a masterpiece of creation, and that it has a monopoly on all the tender passions. May the devil hang me upside down if there is anything to love about a woman! When she is in love, all she knows is how to complain and shed tears. If the man suffers and makes sacrifices she swings her train about and tries to lead him by the nose. You have the misfortune to be a woman, and naturally you know woman's nature; tell me on your honor, have you ever in your life seen a woman who was really true and faithful? ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ You have frightened me to death already, and now you want to fight a duel.
SMIRNOV: [Paying no attention.] A duel. That's equity, emancipation. That way the sexes are made equal. I'll shoot her down as a matter of principle. What can a person say to such a woman? [Imitating her.] "The devil take you. I'll put a bullet in your impudent head." What can one say to that? She was angry, her eyes blazed, she accepted the challenge. On my honor, it's the first time in my life that I ever saw such a woman.
LUKA: Oh, sir. Go away. Go away!
SMIRNOV: That is a woman. I can understand her. A real woman. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ We'll have a duel!
MRS. POPOV: Do you think because you have big fists and a steer's neck I am afraid of you?
SMIRNOV: I allow no one to insult me, and I make no exception because you are a woman, one of the "weaker sex!"
MRS. POPOV: [Trying to cry him down.] Boor, boor, boor!
SMIRNOV: It is high time to do away with the old superstition that it is only the man who is forced to give satisfaction. If there is equity at all let their be equity in all things. There's a limit!
MRS. POPOV: You wish to fight a duel? Very well.
SMIRNOV: Immediately.
MRS. POPOV: Immediately. My husband had pistols. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ SMIRNOV: Then I'll sit here until I get the money. [He sits down.] You will pay day after to-morrow? Excellent! Here I stay until day after to-morrow. [Jumps up.] I ask you, do I have to pay that interest to-morrow or not? Or do you think I'm joking?
MRS. POPOV: Sir, I beg of you, don't scream! This is not a stable.
SMIRNOV: I'm not talking about stables, I'm asking you whether I have to pay that interest to-morrow or not?
MRS. POPOV: You have no idea how to treat a lady. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ When one sees one of the romantic creatures before him he imagines he is looking at some holy being, so wonderful that its one breath could dissolve him in a sea of a thousand charms and delights; but if one looks into the soul--it's nothing but a common crocodile. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ A fellow stands with the knife at his throat, he needs money, he is on the point of hanging himself, and she won't pay because she isn't in the mood to discuss money matters. Women's logic! That's why I never liked to talk to women, and why I dislike doing it now. I would rather sit on a powder barrel than talk with a woman. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ One can't weep and wear mourning forever! My wife died a few years ago. I grieved for her. I wept a whole month--and then it was over. Must one be forever singing lamentations? That would be more than your husband was worth! [He sighs.] You have forgotten all your neighbors. You don't go out and you receive no one. We live--you'll pardon me--like the spiders, and the good light of day we never see. All the livery is eaten by mice--as though there weren't any more nice people in the world! But the whole neighborhood is full of gentlefolk. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Anton Chekhov, The Boor (1888)

“ Don't forget to give Tobby an extra measure of oats.
[LUKA goes out.] MRS. POPOV: [To SMIRNOV.] If Nikolai Michailovitch is indebted to you, I shall, of course, pay you, but I am sorry, I haven't the money to-day. To-morrow my manager will return from the city and I shall notify him to pay you what is due you, but until then I cannot satisfy your request. Furthermore, today is just seven months since the death of my husband, and I am not in the mood to discuss money matters. ”

Anton Chekhov

Summary

Quotes from The Boor (Anton Chekhov)

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