Artists and Society

While initially appearing to undermine the notion that artists are geniuses, "Chocolates" ultimately reinforces it. The idea of genius has been associated with writers since the seventeenth century, and generally has meant a person with exceptional ability that often possesses a kind of rar-ified knowledge. The speaker presents Chekhov as a "Master," highlighting his own belief in the writer's genius, but he also questions the notion that genius exists on a plane separate from ordinary life and ordinary people. The genius of Chekhov, Simpson suggests, resides precisely in his connection to ordinary life, in his ability to empathize with regular people. Chekhov's ability to change an uncomfortable and tense situation into one where everyone is relaxed underscores this "ordinary genius" because it shows his concern for others. He "fidgets" when asked about his genius. He does not have to be nor does he want to be...