Was Chekhov's The Three Sisters Actually Based on the Bronte Family?

There is a bit of evidence that suggests Anton Chekhov, the renowned Russian playwright and short story writer, may have been influenced by the famous Bronte sisters. However, this influence likely didn't serve as the pure basis for the plot of his play, The Three Sisters.

Against the Background of Chekhov's Life and Works

Chekhov was a prolific writer who lived from 1860 to 1904. He is known for his profound writing style, often exploring themes of isolation, depression, and the human condition. In 1896, he read a biography about the Bronte sisters, who were British novelists and poets. This timeline suggests that Chekhov's personal interests and the broader literary world of the time may have subtly influenced his work.

Interpreting the Influence: A Director's Perspective

While the connection between Chekhov and the Brontes may not have been direct, at least one British director, Katie Mitchell, saw inspiration in the parallels between the brothers and sisters in The Three Sisters and the Brontes. In her National Theatre production of Nicholas Wright's translation in 2003, Mitchell showcased these similarities, drawing a parallel between the temperamental and artistic Branwell, whose life was cut short at age 31, and the characters in Chekhov's play.

Theological and Literary Parallels

Some critics might argue that the similarities between Chekhov's play and the Bronte family are purely coincidental. However, there are undeniable parallels that are worth exploring:

Three Sisters: The three sisters in The Three Sisters have divided perspectives on their lives and a sense of longing to return home. Similarly, the Brontes' sisters often wrote about their longing for home and life in the country. Temperamental Artistic Brother: The character of Andrei, the temperamental and artistic brother in the play, mirrors Branwell Bronte, who struggled with substance abuse and was a talented but troubled artist. Old Servant: Both the play and the Bronte family had an old servant who was an integral part of the family's life and provided companionship. This figure appears in multiple Bronte works, such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte. Love and Marriage: The preoccupation with love and marriage is a common theme in both the play and Bronte's works. For instance, in The Three Sisters, the concept of longing for return to a beloved homeland or a better life is reflected in strong romantic ties seen in the Bronte family's narratives. Value of Work: There is a shared belief in the value of work, where characters in both sets of stories struggle with the rewards and expectations of their labor. This is evident in the dedication of the characters in The Three Sisters to their work and the vehement struggle against mediocrity, loss, and disillusionment. Stoicism: The stoic nature of the characters in the play is reflected in the resilience and acceptance found in the Brontes' writings. Their works often reveal a deep underlying sense of stoicism, both in joy and suffering. Tragic Ending: The tragic ending of The Three Sisters and the untimely deaths of several Bronte family members create a sense of sorrow and tragedy that resonates strongly.

Further Reading and Exploration

For those interested in exploring this connection further, there is an interesting article by Atlas Obscura that delves deeper into the parallels between Chekhov's play and the Bronte family. This article not only provides a historical context but also offers insights into how literature can mirror real-life struggles and discrepancies.

In conclusion, while the relationship between Chekhov's The Three Sisters and the Bronte family might not be as direct as some might believe, the parallels are undeniable. Both stories explore themes of longing, family bonds, and the pursuit of happiness amidst adversity. This cross-generational literary connection invites us to reflect on the universal human experience and the way it can be expressed through the diverse voices of great writers.