The Role of Humor in Chekhov’s Works

Abstract

Anton Chekhov is renowned for his mastery in drama and short fiction, particularly for his psychological realism and portrayals of everyday life. While much scholarly attention has been devoted to Chekhov’s irony and emotional subtlety, his use of humor remains comparatively underexplored as a central literary device. Existing studies often overlook humor’s deeper role in shaping Chekhov’s artistic vision and its function beyond mere comic relief. This study aims to analyze the role of humor in Chekhov’s works, demonstrating how it serves as a tool for social critique, psychological insight, and narrative complexity. Through analysis of selected stories such as “The Chameleon,” “The Death of a Government Clerk,” and characters in plays like “The Cherry Orchard” and “Three Sisters,” the research shows that humor in Chekhov’s writing is used to expose societal absurdities, critique class structure, and illuminate the contradictions of human nature. Rather than diminishing the emotional impact, humor deepens reader engagement by providing contrast and perspective. The study distinguishes humor from irony in Chekhov’s oeuvre and argues that comic elements are essential to understanding his literary aesthetic. Chekhov elevates humor into a structural and thematic device that interacts with psychological realism. This exploration contributes to Chekhov studies by highlighting humor as a lens through which readers can grasp the complexity of social life and individual psyche, reinforcing humor’s value in literary discourse as a tool for both entertainment and critical reflection.