Literary Criticism

“A Complex Reality”

(A Traditional Literary Critic Paper on the Short Story

“Who was to Blame? By Anton Chekhov”)

Man by nature is an affectionate being. He is always inclined by the experiences and events that happened to him or that is happening to him. Many times, man could not let go of these happenings and eventually lead up to be the principal source of his neither strengths nor weaknesses. In the story, the author, Anton Chekhov, related the attitude of his Uncle’s cat to his own frightful characteristic. In such case, the experience of the author on his fears in learning Latin made him a person of retreat. Just like his uncle’s cat, the author was also limited to do things because of the experience that happened to him during his early age. This trend of event in a story describes the traditional literary way of criticism.

In the world of literary criticism, the traditional way “takes the humanist view, and looks for both technical skills and significant content, for a re-representation of themes that belong to the great commonplaces of human existence” (www. School of Criticisms\art-as-not-autonomous.html.htm. com.). The traditional way of criticism is concern in the background of the author in his culture. Thus, Anton Chekhov’s story explains the reason for his being fearful in taking or doing things. Evidently, his story can be criticized using the traditional way.

Man is a Complex Reality…

Man is a rational being capable of making decisions for his life. Despite of his being limited and being frail, man has many possibilities and chances in improving his life. “Man is a complex reality” (Feztin, n.d). On the part of the author, I believe that he cannot be determined by his past experience. His early age was covered up by fear and hesitations because of his unwanted experience in learning the Latin language. It created an impact that he carried on until his adult age. However, in a humanistic point of view, I believe that the author as a man is not limited on his limited conception about himself. I believe that he is just too emotional and being pre-occupied by his unjust view of taking or doing things. I believe that there is something more about him in which he can overcome his fearful attitude. I believe that he can change his character of being fearful and limited in doing things. Anton Chekhov is a complex reality that is subject to many possibilities. He has a wide horizon that serves as an avenue for his improvement. In contrast with the cat in the story, the author is definitely not an animal who only uses its instincts. “Animal activities include perceptive activities, sensation, movement, etc.” (Feztin, n.d). Man is ordained with reason that makes him the highest creature ever created. He can process things using his intellect and justify things with his reason. Therefore, as a rational being, man has the capacity to change his life.

In the end, I believe that Anton Chekhov’s story serves as an eye-opener to those people who are afraid to do things because of their background and culture. As we experience things in our daily existence, it is always a challenge for all of us to be flexible and dynamic. Just like the message of the story, we are also being called to be complex. We must not be limited because of the experiences that happened to us. We are great possible beings gifted with our reason.