The Black Monk

Brief Overview

The novella "The Black Monk" by Anton Chekhov tells the story of the life and fate of the scholar Andrey Vasilyevich Kovrin. Suffering from nervous exhaustion, Kovrin visits the estate of his former guardian, Yegor Semyonovich Pesotsky, where he meets his daughter Tanya. Soon, Kovrin begins to experience hallucinations of a black monk who speaks to him about his chosenness and great mission. Gradually, Kovrin becomes more immersed in his visions, leading to a deterioration of his mental state. Concerned for Kovrin's health, Tanya persuades him to seek treatment. After treatment, Kovrin loses his inspiration and vitality, resulting in a breakup with Tanya and a relapse of his illness. In the novella's finale, Kovrin dies, once again seeing the black monk, symbolizing his inner conflict and tragic fate.