Genre
A short story
Setting and Context
The action takes place in the town of B that is mortally wearisome as the author says.
Narrator and Point of View
The narrator is a third person, who narrates the interesting and ironic story of Pythagoras Pythagoravitch Tchertokoutski.
Tone and Mood
The mood of the story is very sarcastic because of the behavior of the protagonist and his life awkward situation.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The main protagonist is Pythagoras Pythagoravitch Tchertokoutski. The main antagonist is Tchertokoutski’s narcissism and vanity.
Major Conflict
The major conflict happens, when Tchertokoutski invites the general to visit his dwelling, but Tchertokoutski forgets about his meetings and pretends he is not at home.
Climax
The climax happens, when the general finds Tchertokoutski in the house, where he hides in the carriage.
Foreshadowing
The foreshadowing happens, when the reader learns Tchertokoutski forgets about the general’s visiting. It foreshadows Tchertokoutski’s shame.
Understatement
The understatement happens, when Tchertokoutski describes his carriage. He says that the carriage amazing, as light as a feather and comfortable. However, when the general sees it, the carriage is the most ordinary possible. There is nothing special.
Allusions
N/A
Imagery
Mostly used in the characters descriptions
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
There is a parallel of greed and generosity in this story. While the general arranges the most wonderful dinners for the whole regiment, Tchertokoutski hides in his own house and does not prepare for the reception of his guests.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The combination of words “a cavalry regiment” refers to the general, officers, colonels and majors.
Personification
Money and wealth personify a living being, which swallows Tchertokoutski’s generosity and charity.
