A Study of Russian Literature “Fat and Thin”

A STUDY OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE

“FAT AND THIN”

BY: ANTON CHEKHOV

CATTLEYA JADE A. JAVERLE

AGUSAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BUTUAN CITY

FEBRUARY 2011

A STUDY OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE

“FAT AND THIN”

BY: ANTON CHEKHOV

A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED TO:

ZITA B. DURAN

MT II / SPA – COORDINATOR

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT

IN ENGLISH IV

SUBMITTED BY:

CATTLEYA JADE A. JAVERLE

AGUSAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BUTUAN CITY

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher of this term paper would like to thank the following people who contributed for the fulfillment of this term paper.

To our lovable English teacher, Mrs. Zita B. Duran, who patiently discussed and guide us in making the term paper writing.

To researchers mother, Erma A. Javerle, whom her presence is already been there to be more hopeful and especially supporting the financial assistance.

To researchers friends, who did not forget to give some advice and certainly help a lot.

Above all, the Almighty God who gave knowledge, wisdom, courage and unconditional love to make this term paper a success.

C. J. A. J.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page ..…………………………………………………………………………. i

Title Page ..…………………………………………………………………………. ii

Acknowledgement …..……………………………………………………………... iii

Table of Contents .………………………………………………………………… iv

CHAPTER I : The Problem and Its Setting

Introduction .…….………………………….………………….………. 1

Significance of the Study ...…………………………………………………… 2

Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………….... 3

Scope and Delimitation ……………………………………………………… 4

Definition of Terms .………………………….………………………………... 5

CHAPTER II

Survey of Related Literature …………………………………………............. 6

CHAPTER III

Presentation and Interpretation of Data …………………………………….... 7

CHAPTER IV

Summary and Recommendation ..……………………………………………. 8

BIBLIOGRAPHY .…………………………………………………………………... 9

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction:

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a Russian short story writer, playwright and physician, considered to be one of the greatest short-story writers in the history of world literature. His career as a dramatist produced four classics and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics. Chekhov practiced as a doctor throughout most of his literary career: "Medicine is my lawful wife", he once said, "and literature is my mistress."

Chekhov’s tale of two friends who meet after many years where in one tries to show off to the other about his job and worthy marriage and kid only to be surprised when his friend reveals his occupation and status. Then comes the sudden change in the first man attitude towards his friend. Typical Chekhov kind of humor.

The thin man turned pale and rigid all the once, but once soon his face twisted in all directions in the broadest smile; it seemed as though sparks were flashing from his face and eyes. He squirmed, he doubled together, crumpled up… His portmanteaus, bundles and cardboard boxes seemed to shrink and crumpled up too. His wife’s long chin grow longer still; Nafanail drew himself up to attention and fastened all the buttons of his uniform

2

Significance of the Study

The author finds the study very significant and it is important to us to know what it is all about.

It is very significant because many people can relate the story of how two childhood friends, who are fat and thin meet each other after a long time ago.

This paper discusses how Anton Chekhov demonstrates the importance of being humble to all people around you especially to your friends and judging them by physical appearances.

3

Statement of the Problem

1. Why did the author entitled the story “Fat and Thin”?

2. What are the similarities or differences of the two main characters?

3. How can you relate the story in real life?

4. What did you learn from the story?

4

Scope and Limitations

The study will determine the focusing of the “Fat and Thin” by Anton Chekhov. Fat and Thin in the story particularly the implementation of the said topic will be the focus of this research. The researcher limits its data and analysis to the story and some sources in the book.

5

Definition of Terms

The researcher of this term paper entitled a study on

Russian Literature Focusing on Short Story

“Fat and Thin”

By Anton Chekhov

defines the following terms:

1. Portmanteaus – a blend of two (or more) words or morphemes and their meaning into

one new word, usually combining specifically the beginning syllables

of one word with the end syllables of another.

2. Astounded – filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock.

3. Squirmed – to move with a wriggling motion or to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt,

embarrassment and etc.

4. Sniggered – a sly or disrespectful, especially one partly stifled or to utter such a

laugh.

5. Mawkish – characterized by sickly sentimentally; weakly emotional; maudlin or

having a mildly sickening flavor; slightly nauseating.

Chapter II

SURVEY OF RELATED LITERATURE

The media’s focus makes us believe that thin is “in” and we are sucked up into the

whole idea of beauty as being thin. Thin looks more healthy and attractive. Thin looks you more better in clothing that you would want to wear. In my opinion, being thin is not what it is all cracked up to be. Being thin has many benefits in a matter of health tissues, but being fat doesn’t necessarily mean that the fat person is close to have heart attack. It all depends on the person. Fat is good, it gives you that insulation that you need during those long, lonely, cold nights because there’s no one to hold you. People are too into thin is “in” idea, not seeing that fat can be beautiful.

As a person who doesn’t belong in the “thin” category, I strongly believe that I can be healthier without changing my “size” dramatically. It’s true that there are many health issues to consider when a person is fat, but it is also true that many thin people have just as many problems. Many people strive to become thin to look beautiful and can be accepted by our societies, especially models and dancers. Many of them have eating disorders that definitely does not make them healthy.

There will always be a debate between fat and thin. In my opinion, fat is better. Despite the possible health problems and risks, fat people too, can be healthy. It’s a choice made by the person. I have never met an angry, up-tight fat person in my nearly sixteen years of existence. We’re just jolly people who knows how to have fun and say what we want. Thin maybe what societies view of beautiful is, but I know that big, bold and beautiful is what I prefer to be.

Chapter III

PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents analysis and interpretations of data gathered in order to answer the different questions presented in the study.

The researcher thinks that the story is titled by the author Fat and Thin, because it defines the physical appearance or aspects of the two main character.

The two main characters who are fat and thin has many similarities, when they were childhood. They were boys at school together and their other friends called then from there funny or pet names. But they also have differences like their physical aspects or appearances. The other man was thin while the other is fat.

In real life, fat people are always criticize by the people around him/her especially to their circle of friends. That is why I can relate the story from true life. This story of two friends who met after how many years but the thin man who was talking and trying to show of what he achieve in life was surprise and amazedly shocked when he asked the fat man about his job.

I learned from the story that being humble to everyone can be so good than being showy of what you feel or have. I also learn that physical appearance or aspects is not a hindrance to achieved a successful life and in the future you will be proud of yourself and you can tell everyone of what you have without being boast but being humble. Because if you have humility in yourself , you can respect to others as what you respect your own.

Chapter IV

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION

The researcher recommends that the purpose of short stories for student is to

provide readers with a guide to understanding, enjoying, and studying stories by giving

them easy access to information about the work. To help readers unravel and understand

the events in story descriptions of important characters, including explanation of a given

character’s role in the story as well as discussions about that characters relationship to

other characters in the story. The author recommends for everyone to be interested in

reading the book of Russian literature from the different writers.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites:

http://www.online –literature.com/anton chekhov/1111/

http://www.readprint.com/work-201/FatandThin-Anton-Chekhov/

http://shortstoriesiread.blogspot.com/2009/12/fat-and-thin.html

http://shortstoriesiread.blogspot.com/2009/12/fat-and-thin.html

Bibliography: Websites: http://www.online –literature.com/anton chekhov/1111/ http://www.readprint.com/work-201/FatandThin-Anton-Chekhov/ http://shortstoriesiread.blogspot.com/2009/12/fat-and-thin.html http://shortstoriesiread.blogspot.com/2009/12/fat-and-thin.html