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Soliloquy
Style
Explanation and Analysis:
Stylistically, Chekhov is known for his work in Realism. Works of art or literature are called realist when their creators attempt to portray everyday reality. The origins of Realism are often traced back to the middle of the 19th century. Realist artists often sought to avoid the stylization associated with Romanticism that prevailed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The realist element of the play comes from Chekhov's emphasis on the banality of his characters' lives. Although the play has a loose plot, it mostly revolves around the mundane conversations and petty actions of the characters. Chekhov's plays and short stories often feature anticlimactic conclusions in which nothing substantial has changed or taken place since the beginning. This applies to Uncle Vanya, as none of the characters seem to undergo any major change over the course of the four acts.
Another aspect of Chekhov's style is the fine balance he achieves between drama and humor. The genre, mood, and tone can be difficult to nail down, as the play remains in the ambiguous space between serious and humorous. It is never purely funny, but its bleak mood is often punctuated by funny moments in the dialogue or action.
