In this Anton Chekhov story, wealthy family members consider what to do about a nephew who has issued a false promissory note (IOU) in one of their names. Do they repay the debt to preserve family honor and avoid a scandal, or let justice take its course? On learning of the decision, the unscrupulous young man uses it to extort further money from an uncle trying to help him and, in the process, grudgingly admits an unfortunate aspect of his character. Themes: crime and consequences; justice/civic duty vs. family honor; nature vs. nurture, hedonism of the young upper-class, pride, despair.
A fascinating aspect of the story is the question of whether Sasha is a victim of his circumstances (nurture) or was born to be bad (nature). Ironically, kindly Uncle Ivan argues both sides in defense of his nephew. First, he points out that Sasha had received practically no education, had been expelled from the high school in the fifth class, he had lost his parents in early childhood, and so had been left at the tenderest age without guidance and good, benevolent influences. A little later, he raises Cesare Lombroso’s controversial biological theory of criminology. This suggests that criminality is inherited and that someone “born criminal” could be identified by the way they look.
Either way, Sasha is a pathetic, “lost” figure who displays psychopathic tendencies in showing no remorse for his actions. He lives only for his hedonistic lifestyle, recognizes that this must soon end as he lacks the funds to support it, and cares little for what may come after.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (2,650 words)