Nerves Page #2

"Nerves" is a poignant short story by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov that explores the complexities of human emotions and the fragility of mental health. The narrative centers on a protagonist whose overwhelming anxiety and sensitivity to the world around him lead to a deep existential crisis. Through vivid characterizations and light melancholy, Chekhov masterfully delves into themes of psychological stress, societal expectations, and the struggle for understanding and connection in an increasingly indifferent environment. The story highlights the delicate balance between inner turmoil and the facade of normalcy, making it a compelling reflection on the human condition.

								

light in the passage and something dark seemed to be peeping out from
every corner. Vaxin turned so as to face the door-post, but at that
instant it seemed as though somebody tweaked his night-shirt from behind
and touched him on the shoulder.

"Damnation! . . . Rosalia Karlovna!"

No answer. Vaxin hesitatingly opened the door and peeped into the room.
The virtuous German was sweetly slumbering. The tiny flame of a night-
light threw her solid buxom person into relief. Vaxin stepped into the
room and sat down on a wickerwork trunk near the door. He felt better in
the presence of a living creature, even though that creature was asleep.

"Let the German idiot sleep," he thought, "I'll sit here, and when it
gets light I'll go back. . . . It's daylight early now."

Vaxin curled up on the trunk and put his arm under his head to await the
coming of dawn.

"What a thing it is to have nerves!" he reflected. "An educated,
intelligent man! . . . Hang it all! . . . It's a perfect disgrace!"

As he listened to the gentle, even breathing of Rosalia Karlovna, he
soon recovered himself completely.

At six o'clock, Vaxin's wife returned from the all-night service, and
not finding her husband in their bedroom, went to the governess to ask
her for some change for the cabman.

On entering the German's room, a strange sight met her eyes.

On the bed lay stretched Rosalia Karlovna fast asleep, and a couple of
yards from her was her husband curled up on the trunk sleeping the sleep
of the just and snoring loudly.

What she said to her husband, and how he looked when he woke, I leave to
others to describe. It is beyond my powers.
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes