Rothschild's Fiddle

Historical Context and Significance

"Rothschild's Fiddle" is a story by Anton Chekhov, written in 1894. In this work, Chekhov explores themes of human life, death, loneliness, and the meaning of existence. The main character, coffin maker Yakov Ivanov, lives in poverty and bitterness, but his life changes after the death of his wife and an encounter with the Jewish musician Rothschild. The story raises questions about the value of human life and how people can find meaning and comfort in the most unexpected places. "Rothschild's Fiddle" had a significant impact on Russian literature, becoming one of the classic examples of Chekhov's psychological realism. The work also touches on social and ethnic prejudices, making it relevant even in a modern context.