Critics have interpreted the tone of the story as an indication that Chekhov was lampooning the limited role of women in nineteenth-century Russian society as nothing more than an appendage to men, with no thoughts or opinions of their own. Soon after the publication of "The Darling," however, contemporary writer Tolstoy made the argument that while Chekhov set out to "sacrifice" the character of Olga as a typically vapid woman, he inadvertently blesses her in her ultimate role as mother. Tolstoy's view was based on his opinion that women serve no greater role in society than that of loving mother, and that women's highest virtue is their capacity for love. Critics continue to debate the narrative perspective of "The Darling" and Olga's character: Is she an object of ridicule,.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 733 words. This
study guide contains 32,054 words (approx. 107 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Darling Access Pass.
