Synopsis.
Is it true that our society is beset with double standards? Does
it measure morality with different sets of yardsticks?
In a deprecating examination of the morality standards of
the society Chekhov recasts the different sets of rules the crowd and the
individual observe when the morality card is played. Sasha Smirnov gives a token
candelabrum to Dr.Koleshkov who had saved his life as he is poor and being an
only son his mother feels obliged to repay the favour in some way. The candelabrum, however, is an antique bronze
work of art with two stark naked female figures supporting the candle and
placed in such a way as to suggest that were it not for that role they would
quickly escape and engage in some orgy. Though he hails it as a fine work of
art, the doctor is more concerned with what the society will think of him and
quickly hatches a plan to dispose of it to his lawyer friend to whom he’s
indebted. Lawyer Uhov in turn seeks to dispose of it to the comedian Shashkin
who in turn disposes it off to the antique dealer Mrs. Smirnov.
Thereafter in a comical twist, Sasha once again bursts into
the doctor’s house with the phantasmagoria which the doctor had initially sought
to dispose off.
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