A Chameleon Page #2

"A Chameleon" is a short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that explores themes of hypocrisy and social conformity through the lens of a seemingly trivial incident. The narrative centers around a minor conflict in a Russian town where a dog bites a prominent figure, leading to a debate among the townsfolk about the dog's ownership and the appropriate punishment. As the characters react to the situation, their changing attitudes reveal their self-interest and willingness to adjust their opinions based on social status and authority. Chekhov's sharp wit and keen observation of human behavior highlight the absurdities of societal norms and the fickle nature of public opinion.

								

. . . Take it. It's not a bad pup. . . . A lively creature. . . .
Snapped at this fellow's finger! Ha-ha-ha. . . . Come, why are you
shivering? Rrr . . . Rrrr. . . . The rogue's angry . . . a nice little
pup."

Prohor calls the dog, and walks away from the timber-yard with her. The
crowd laughs at Hryukin.

"I'll make you smart yet!" Otchumyelov threatens him, and wrapping
himself in his greatcoat, goes on his way across the square.
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