Anton Chekov and Neil Simon

1
Anton Chekov and Neil Simon

• Chekov
• Russian born author
• His grandfather was a serf who had bought his
  freedom
• His stories concern the sadness that results from
  peoples inability to respond to one another, and
  the lives of the poor and their struggles
• Trained as a doctor, his ideas are influenced by
  this training analytical and compassionate

2
Chekov and Simon contd.

• Simon
• Grew up in New York City
• Began as a comedy script writer in early days of
  TV
• Some of his stories and plays reflect his chaotic
  version of NYC
• He depicts human frailty with one-line gags
• Has adapted many of Chekovs stories and written
  his own versions

3
Background for Understanding

• In 19th century Europe, most upper class families
  hired governesses for their children.
• Governesses taught lessons, monitored safety, and
  provided moral instruction.
• Life of a governess was often lonely as she
  belonged to neither the servant class nor the
  upper class.

4
Characters Motives

• Are the reasons behind the characters actions
• Ex. A characters motives for scolding a child is
  that the child misbehaved
• Sometimes the motives in a story are hidden and
  must be guessed