The Man in a Case

Summary

The novella "The Man in a Case" by Anton Chekhov tells the story of Belikov, a Greek language teacher who lives in constant fear of the world around him. He strives to shield himself from any surprises or changes by creating a "case" of rules and prohibitions around himself. Belikov wears warm clothes even in summer, always carries an umbrella and galoshes, and his apartment resembles a storage room of unnecessary items. His colleagues and acquaintances feel a mix of pity and irritation towards him. An event disrupts Belikov's usual routine: a new teacher, Varenka, the sister of his colleague Kovalenko, arrives in town. Belikov begins to court her, but his fears and doubts prevent him from taking decisive action. The conflict reaches its climax when Belikov witnesses a quarrel between Kovalenko and Varenka. As a result, Belikov falls down the stairs and soon dies. His death symbolizes liberation from the "case," but those around him continue to live by his rules, highlighting the futility and tragedy of such a life.