The Huntsman by Anton Chekhov. Short summary

5 seconds

The gamekeeper is met by his wife, whom the man married by deception. She summons him to her village. The man explains to her that he loves the will and was not born for village life, so he will never come.

1 minute

A tall and thin hunter with a handsome face walks across the field. It is the gamekeeper Yegor.

On his way he meets his wife Pelageya, with whom the landowner had married him twelve years ago.

The landowner was jealous of Yegor because he is a better shot than he is. The landlord gave the huntsman a long drink, and then married Pelageya.

Pelageya is still waiting for him and persuades him to come to the village. The huntsman explains to her that he was not born for village life. He loves freedom and is considered the best hunter in the county.

Pelageya begs, cries and begs him to come more often. Yegor reminds her that he took advantage of his drunkenness to marry them. She is no match for him, for Pelageya is a simple peasant woman.

The man leaves. Pelageya gazes after him. The huntsman returns and gives her a ruble. He goes on, and the woman follows Yegor with a glance until his cap disappears from view.