The Death of a Government Clerk

Perform a close analysis of Chervyakov’s thought processes just after his sneeze in the theater. How does his reasoning change, and what marks his quick, mental transformations? Based on Chervyakov’s innermost thoughts at this pivotal moment in the story, offer a character description that delves into the clerk’s true ambitions and motivations.

How does the narration create an atmosphere of mystery around General Brizzhalov? Perform a character analysis of the general and mark his transformation as the story develops.

The reader knows little about Chervyakov’s wife. Why is this? What is her purpose in the story, and how specifically does she drive the action?

Chekhov is often celebrated for the efficiency with which he writes. Choose a few seemingly minor details in the narration and discuss how they are later used for dramatic effect.

Chekhov routinely leaves out major details in his storytelling, which creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity for the reader to wrestle with. What are some of the details that are glaringly absent in this story, and what is the ultimate effect? Talk about the ways that the reader is meant to fill in the gaps and explain how this obligation on the part of the reader adds to the story’s overall meaning.

How does Brizzhalov serve as an antagonist to Chervyakov? What other forces work in opposition to the main character, and how do they ultimately lead to his demise?

What are some of the more absurd elements in the story, and why do they exist? How do they contrast with the stark realism in other parts, and how does this back-and-forth throughout the story contribute to tone and mood? Explain the ways that certain unbelievable moments are used to accentuate meaning and draw an emotional response from the reader. Discuss how that meaning and those emotions would be lost without the absurdities.

Perform a close analysis of the final scene and determine the reasons for Chervyakov’s sudden demise.