Summary:
“Swan Song” is a short story by Anton Chekhov that explores themes of aging, regret, and the fleeting nature of artistic success. The story follows an aging actor named Vasili Svetlovidov, who, after a lifetime on stage, finds himself alone in an empty theater, reflecting on his past. He is confronted with the reality that his once-great career is coming to an end, and he has nothing left but memories of his glory days.
Through a conversation with the theater’s prompter, Nikita, Vasili expresses his deep sorrow over wasted opportunities, lost love, and the realization that fame is temporary. The story captures the melancholy of growing old and the fear of becoming irrelevant. Chekhov uses Swan Song as a metaphor for a final performance before fading into obscurity, emphasizing the impermanence of life and art.
MCQs:
- Who is the protagonist of Swan Song?
A) Ivan Dmitrich
B) Vasili Svetlovidov
C) Nikita Kruchkov
D) Pavel Rusanov
Answer: B) Vasili Svetlovidov - What is Vasili Svetlovidov’s profession?
A) Poet
B) Musician
C) Actor
D) Playwright
Answer: C) Actor - Where does the story take place?
A) A royal palace
B) A crowded marketplace
C) An empty theater
D) A hospital room
Answer: C) An empty theater - What does Swan Song symbolize in the story?
A) The start of a new career
B) The final performance or farewell before death
C) The power of theater
D) The beauty of music
Answer: B) The final performance or farewell before death
Swan Song - Who is the only other character in the story besides Vasili?
A) His wife
B) His former director
C) A young actor
D) The theater prompter, Nikita
Answer: D) The theater prompter, Nikita - What emotion dominates Vasili’s reflections?
A) Joy and fulfillment
B) Regret and sorrow
C) Anger and revenge
D) Hope and excitement
Answer: B) Regret and sorrow - What does Vasili regret the most?
A) Losing his wealth
B) Wasting his talent and not finding love
C) Never becoming famous
D) Leaving his family behind
Answer: B) Wasting his talent and not finding love - How does Vasili feel about his past performances?
A) He is proud and content
B) He sees them as meaningless now
C) He believes he was never talented
D) He thinks he still has time for more success
Answer: B) He sees them as meaningless now - What genre best describes Swan Song?
A) Comedy
B) Tragedy
C) Science fiction
D) Mystery
Answer: B) Tragedy - What is the main theme of Swan Song?
A) The importance of wealth
B) The fleeting nature of fame and life
C) The joy of artistic success
D) The power of revenge
Answer: B) The fleeting nature of fame and life
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | Swan Song |
| Author | Anton Chekhov |
| Year Published | 1887 |
| Book Type | Short Story, Tragedy |
| Main Themes | Aging, Regret, The Fleeting Nature of Fame |
| Setting | An empty theater |
| Main Characters | Vasili Svetlovidov, Nikita Kruchkov |
| Symbolism | The “swan song” represents a final farewell or last performance |
| Tone | Melancholic, Reflective |
| Key Message | Art and fame are temporary, and time spares no one |
| Influence | Highlights the struggles of aging artists and the fear of irrelevance |