Malingerers by Anton Chekhov. Short summary

5 seconds

A generalist treats people with homeopathy. She notices that all the patients thank her as one for healing and then ask for their needs. The woman realizes that she is being deceived.

1 minute

The general has been treating people with homeopathy for ten years. A neighbor, an old man suffering from rheumatism for many years, comes to see her.

He warmly thanks her for her healing. Just three of her homeopathic grains were able to raise him on his feet and completely cure him of a disease that the doctors could not conquer. The general is delighted.

Then he complains to her about his leaky roof and his inability to plant oats. Out of joy, the General grants him some chaff and oat seeds. During the conversation, a small piece of paper falls out of his pocket.

After the old man leaves, the woman unwraps it and sees her three homeopathic grains. The General’s doubts begin to plague the woman.

She remembers that all the patients begin the conversation by thanking her for her healing and then speak of their needs. The General’s wife helps everyone.

She learns the truth about how deceitful man is.