The Bishop and Other Stories

The Bishop and Other Stories is the seventh volume in the The Tales of Chekhov. The collection ranges from intimate portraits of clergy and peasants to bleak examinations of guilt and violence.

The stories included are: The Bishop – A moving account of the final days of a terminally ill bishop who, despite his high office, feels profoundly alone. As memories of childhood resurface and his physical strength fades, the story becomes a meditation on mortality, spiritual responsibility, and the quiet distance between public reverence and private sorrow.

The Letter – A short, sharply observed tale centred on a written message whose contents expose misunderstandings and emotional undercurrents. Chekhov examines how pride, resentment, and miscommunication can quietly strain relationships.

Easter Eve – During a night crossing of a river, a traveller converses with a monk ferryman. Their discussion—set against the backdrop of the Easter vigil—touches on faith, artistic talent, and the unnoticed sacrifices of humble lives, blending gentle irony with melancholy reflection.

A Nightmare – A well-meaning reformer attempts to improve the moral state of a rural parish, only to confront apathy, corruption, and his own naïveté. The story critiques idealism untempered by realism, revealing how good intentions can falter in the face of entrenched social realities.

The Murder – One of Chekhov’s darker works, this story portrays religious fanaticism and family conflict spiralling toward violence. It explores distorted piety, guilt, and the psychological consequences of moral extremism.

Uprooted – A subtle portrayal of displacement, the story follows characters unsettled by change and uncertain of their place in the world. Chekhov reflects on instability—social, emotional, and spiritual—and the uneasy search for belonging.

The Steppe – A longer, richly atmospheric story tracing a young boy’s journey across the vast Russian steppe. Through vivid landscape descriptions and episodic encounters, Chekhov captures the mixture of fear, wonder, and loneliness that accompanies a child’s first experience of separation and transition into a wider world.

Taken together, The Bishop and Other Stories offers a thoughtful and nuanced introduction to Chekhov’s short fiction. Readers interested in classic Russian literature, psychological realism, and contemplative storytelling will find in this volume a compelling portrait of human vulnerability and quiet endurance.