Chekhov introduces the protagonsit, Gurov, as someone who thinks of women as “the lower race” or inferior to him. Therefore, he enjoys spending time with women more because he free whereas being with men made him feel bored. This clearly shows that he liked being around women more because of the way it made him feel more in control and powerful. Gurov is attracted to Anna because she was young and naive which was the complete opposite of his wife who was older and intelligent. It made me think that Gurov only pursued his love for Anna because he knew that he could take advantage of her. The color grey is used to describe Gurov in many ways. For example, his aging hair as well as the clothes he wears. However, Gurov’s love for Anna brings him more color and freedom so we assume that his newfound love is different and real from all his previous lovers.
One thought on “How does one reconcile Gurov’s apparent misogyny with his newfound of love of Anna Sergeyevna?”
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I agree that in the beginning of the story he is portrayed as misogynistic because of his desire to feel in control and powerful around people, specifically women. However, I think it is ironic that at the end of the story, he becomes unable to control his thoughts, constantly thinking about Anna, when he knows that they could not be together. I also agree with your views on the symbolism of color in the story, and how Chekhov uses white to portray youth, and the grey to display maturity.