The Duel and Other Stories

The Duel and Other Stories is a book by Anton Chekhov, first published in 1891. This collection forms Volume 2 of the The Tales of Chekhov and brings together eight classic short stories that examine moral conflict, social hypocrisy, and the quiet pressures of everyday life in late-nineteenth-century Russia.

The title story, “The Duel,” follows the bitter ideological clash between Ivan Andreyevich Laevsky, a disillusioned intellectual fleeing responsibility, and Baron von Koren, a rigid moralist who believes weakness should be eliminated for the good of society. Set in a provincial seaside town, the story builds toward a tense confrontation that exposes the dangers of absolute beliefs and shallow self-justification. Around this central work are stories such as “Neighbours,” “At Home,” and “The Princess,” each revealing private struggles beneath outward respectability.

Across the collection, Chekhov focuses on flawed individuals rather than heroic figures: unhappy marriages, ethical compromises, quiet cruelty, and moments of reluctant self-awareness recur throughout tales like “Excellent People,” “Mire,” and “The Chemist’s Wife.” His understated style allows psychological tension to emerge naturally, making these stories enduring examples of literary realism and classic Russian fiction.

Renowned for his influence on modern short stories, Chekhov combines empathy with sharp observation, refusing easy moral conclusions. The Duel and Other Stories is an essential volume for readers interested in classic literature, Russian short stories, and psychologically rich narratives that explore the complexity of human behaviour.

This translation by Constance Garnett was first published in 1916.