The Role of Women in Society

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, pity, or admiration? The fact that these questions continue to provide critics with material...