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Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is a Russian writer known for his masterful short stories and plays. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work has had a lasting influence on literature and drama. His short stories are known for their use of the literary device of free indirect discourse, which is third-person narration that captures the voice and mannerisms of a character as mediated through an authorial voice.

Chekhov lived during a time of great social and political change in Russia. He was born into a family of modest means and grew up in a country that was struggling to modernize and industrialize. After his parents passed away, Chekhov paid for his university education by selling short stories to newspapers. In 1884, he became a physician and practiced medicine while he continued writing. His writing reflects the societal upheavals he experienced growing up, and many of his stories deal with themes such as social class, poverty, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

One of the most prominent themes in Chekhov's work is the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.