Letters of Anton Chekhov (Tchekhov) - Penn State University

Anton ChekhovMELIHOVO, October 21, 1895.Thanks for your letter, for your warm words and your invitation.I will come, but most likely not before the end of November, as Ihave a devilish lot to do. First in the spring I am going to build anew school in the village where I am school warden; before beginningI have to make a plan and calculations, and to drive off hereand there, and so on. Secondly—can you imagine it—I am writinga play which I shall probably not finish before the end of November.I am writing it not without pleasure, though I swear fearfully atthe conventions of the stage. It’s a comedy, there are three women’sparts, six men’s, four acts, landscapes (view over a lake); a great dealof conversation about literature, little action, tons of love.* I read ofOzerova’s failure and was sorry, for nothing is more painful thanfailing …. I have read of the success of the “Powers of Darkness” inyour theatre …. When I was at Tolstoy’s in August, he told me, ashe was wiping his hands after washing, that he wouldn’t alter hisplay. And now, remembering that, I fancy that he knew even thenthat his play would be passed by the censor in toto. I spent two daysand a night with him. He made a delightful impression, I felt asmuch at ease as though I were at home, and our talks were easy ….*“The Seagull.”335