Boots Page #2

"Boots" is a short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that explores themes of social class, human relationships, and the complexities of kindness. The narrative centers around a poor leather worker who is in dire need of a new pair of boots. When a wealthy customer visits his shop, the decision of whether to help him or focus on his own struggles becomes a poignant reflection on compassion and selflessness. Chekhov's characteristic wit and keen observation of human nature shine through, making "Boots" a thought-provoking tale about the moral dilemmas faced in everyday life.

								

boots as well as yours at 64," said Murkin, turning to Blistanov, "and
when you left this gentleman's lady you put on mine."

"What are you talking about?" said Blistanov, and he scowled. "Have you
come here to libel me?"

"Not at all, sir--God forbid! You misunderstand me. What am I talking
about? About boots! You did stay the night at No. 64, didn't you?"

"When?"

"Last night!"

"Why, did you see me there?"

"No, sir, I didn't see you," said Murkin in great confusion, sitting
down and taking off the boots. "I did not see you, but this gentleman's
lady threw out your boots here to me . . . instead of mine."

"What right have you, sir, to make such assertions? I say nothing about
myself, but you are slandering a woman, and in the presence of her
husband, too!"

A fearful hubbub arose behind the scenes. King Bobesh, the injured
husband, suddenly turned crimson and brought his fist down upon the
table with such violence that two actresses in the next dressing-room
felt faint.

"And you believe it?" cried Bluebeard. "You believe this worthless
rascal? O-oh! Would you like me to kill him like a dog? Would you like
it? I will turn him into a beefsteak! I'll blow his brains out!"

And all the persons who were promenading that evening in the town park
by the Summer theatre describe to this day how just before the fourth
act they saw a man with bare feet, a yellow face, and terror-stricken
eyes dart out of the theatre and dash along the principal avenue. He was
pursued by a man in the costume of Bluebeard, armed with a revolver.
What happened later no one saw. All that is known is that Murkin was
confined to his bed for a fortnight after his acquaintance with
Blistanov, and that to the words "I am a man in delicate health,
rheumatic" he took to adding, "I am a wounded man. . . ."
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