In the Court Page #3

"In the Court" is a short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that delves into the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. Set against the backdrop of a courtroom, the narrative explores themes of justice, morality, and the often absurd nature of legal proceedings. Through vivid character portrayals and insightful dialogues, Chekhov illustrates the ironies and contradictions present in the pursuit of truth, revealing how personal biases and emotions can influence judgment. The story ultimately prompts readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the human condition.

								

it is your axe. . . ."

"I can't say about that, but I swear before God (Harlamov held out his
hand before him and spread out the fingers), before the living God. And
I don't remember how long it is since I did have an axe of my own. I did
have one like that only a bit smaller, but my son Prohor lost it. Two
years before he went into the army, he drove off to fetch wood, got
drinking with the fellows, and lost it. . . ."

"Good, sit down."

This systematic distrust and disinclination to hear him probably
irritated and offended Harlamov. He blinked and red patches came out on
his cheekbones.

"I swear in the sight of God," he went on, craning his neck forward. "If
you don't believe me, be pleased to ask my son Prohor. Proshka, what did
you do with the axe?" he suddenly asked in a rough voice, turning
abruptly to the soldier escorting him. "Where is it?"

It was a painful moment! Everyone seemed to wince and as it were shrink
together. The same fearful, incredible thought flashed like lightning
through every head in the court, the thought of possibly fatal
coincidence, and not one person in the court dared to look at the
soldier's face. Everyone refused to trust his thought and believed that
he had heard wrong.

"Prisoner, conversation with the guards is forbidden . . ." the
president made haste to say.

No one saw the escort's face, and horror passed over the hall unseen as
in a mask. The usher of the court got up quietly from his place and
tiptoeing with his hand held out to balance himself went out of the
court. Half a minute later there came the muffled sounds and footsteps
that accompany the change of guard.

All raised their heads and, trying to look as though nothing had
happened, went on with their work. . . .
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