Ionitch

Brief Overview

The novella «Ionitch» by Anton Chekhov tells the story of Dmitry Ionitch Startsev, a young and ambitious doctor who arrives to work in the provincial town of S. At the beginning of his career, he is full of enthusiasm and a desire to help people. Startsev becomes acquainted with the Turkin family, considered the most cultured and educated in town. He falls in love with their daughter, Ekaterina Ivanovna, but is rejected when he proposes. Over time, Startsev becomes disillusioned with life and people, growing indifferent and cynical. He starts earning a lot of money but loses interest in medicine and spiritual growth. Ultimately, Ionitch turns into a fat, greedy, and lonely man who lives solely for the accumulation of wealth.