The Death of a Government Clerk

“Peasants sneeze, so do police chiefs, and sometimes even privy councilors. Everybody sneezes.”

This observation occurs after Chervyakov has unleashed a dramatic sneeze in the middle of the opera. His anxiousness about class is already evident here. He hopes to justify the act by saying that all members of society are equal in their need to sneeze. The fact that he feels compelled to make this justification shows the reader that the appearance of status is extremely important to Chervyakov.

“Chervyakov became embarrassed, gave a silly smile, and started watching the stage. He was watching, but he no longer felt on top of the world. He began to be troubled by a sense of anxiety.”

This quotation contains foreshadowing, as Chervyakov has already started to give voice to his anxiety. He realizes that part of his sneeze intruded upon a high-level general in the audience, but he is not able to sufficiently apologize. Chervyakov continues to view the opera, but his thoughts are now focused specifically on his supposed breach of etiquette. The mood that Chekhov sets up here will dominate throughout the rest of the story, ultimately allowing Chervyakov’s anxiety to reach absurd levels until his own death at the end.

“During the intermission he went over to Brizzhalov, hovered nearby for a bit, and after overcoming his shyness, muttered: ‘I splattered you, Your Excellency…Forgive me…You see, I…I didn’t…’” 

Chervyakov’s characterization is more fully developed in this sentence. He is described as shy and timid, which contradicts his impression of “feeling on top of the world” earlier in the story. With the unfortunate sneeze, Chervyakov is shaken. He is, in fact, a self-conscious and fretful person, which is fitting for a character whose name means “worm.” Because he is so disturbed by a seemingly small event, the reader learns that his position in the social structure is also extremely fragile and tenuous.

“‘Oh, enough…I’d already forgotten, and you keep going on about it!’ the general said, his lower lip twitching with agitation.”

As a character, General Brizzhalov is quite different from Chervyakov. His dialogue reveals a more confident and laid-back person. Where Chervyakov wants to openly discuss the sneeze and its ramifications, Brizzhalov operates with more poise and discretion. Thus, by not wanting to talk openly with a low-level clerk about an embarrassing event, he shows the other side of the social spectrum.

“When he got home, Chervyakov told his wife about his breach of etiquette. His wife, he thought, treated the incident too lightly; she merely took fright, but calmed down after learning that Brizzhalov was not ‘his’ general.”

The reader does not learn much about Chervyakov’s wife or her characterization in the story. However, she exhibits more depth of understanding than her husband, especially in her realization that Brizzhalov works in another department and is therefore not a threat. This more practical point of view is necessary because it contrasts with Chervyakov’s absurd behavior and ever-growing fear.

“The next day Chervyakov put on his new uniform, got a haircut, and went to see Brizzhalov to explain.”

The uniform and haircut in this sentence are symbolic of Chervyakov’s compliance with the natural societal order in late-19th-century Russia. This idea of dressing the part for a meeting with the general is reminiscent of the opening scene, when Chervyakov is trying to fit in with high society at the opera house. It shows the reader that he is always putting on appearances.

“Upon entering the general’s reception room, he saw that there were a number of petitioners, and among the petitioners the general himself, who was already beginning to receive the petitions. After questioning several petitioners, the general looked up and saw Chervyakov.”

The nameless “petitioners” are an important plot device because they highlight the importance of the general. He is more than just a high-level official. He also has a significant impact on the lives of others, particularly in his willingness to grant their requests and potentially elevate their social statuses. In the presence of these petitioners, Chervyakov’s motivations become a little clearer. He is only trying to survive in an administrative system that is already balanced against him.

“‘What nonsense…God only knows what’s going on here! What can I do for you?’ said the general, turning to the next petitioner.”

This piece of dialogue from the general responds to Chervyakov’s persistent apologies for the sneeze. Brizzhalov’s voice is critical to the story because it presents a point of view that returns the reader to reality. Chervyakov’s conduct seems ludicrous, prompting the general to refer to it as “nonsense.” This constant disparity between real and farcical elements contributes to tone. Ultimately, it displays the author’s attitude about class conflict existing in Russia at the time.

“‘He doesn’t want to talk!’ Chervyakov thought, blanching. ‘Must mean he’s angry…No, I can’t leave it like this…I’ll explain to him.’”

Here, Chervyakov continues his descent into further nonsensical behavior. Chekhov uses irony to create increasing levels of tension in the story. Chervyakov would be smart to stop pestering the general with apologies, but he is not able to get a grip on this reality. Instead, he expects to remedy the situation by continuing his persistent and unsettling actions. This difference between what is real and what is perceived contributes to the story’s central conflict.

“With a pained expression on his face, the general waved him away. ‘But my dear sir, you’re simply making fun of me!’ he said, as the door closed behind him.”

Once again, the general returns the reader to reality. His reaction is completely natural and acceptable, thus contrasting sharply with Chervyakov’s irrational thoughts and feelings. By closing the door, the general also symbolizes Chervyakov’s removal from the societal order. He is now below the level of petitioner, at this point unable to receive an audience with a higher official.

“‘Who said anything about making fun?’ Chervyakov thought. ‘There’s absolutely no question of making fun! He’s a general, but he can’t understand. If that’s the way it is, I’m not going to apologize to that blusterer anymore! The devil take him! I’ll write him a letter, but I’m not coming here to see him! No, indeed, I will not!’”

Chervyakov’s characterization changes with these sentences. He is no longer shy, timid, and pandering. Now, he displays his own displeasure at the general, even referring to Brizzhalov as a “blusterer” and uttering oaths that the devil should “take him.” With these new feelings of rage and desperation, Chervyakov lashes out at the class system and laments his inability to navigate it successfully.

“He did not write the general a letter. He thought and thought, and just could not think of a way to write that letter. The next day he had to go and explain in person.”

Chervyakov’s resolve to write a letter is a temporary return to reason for the character, especially considering that it represents his position within the country’s administrative government. However, his failure to complete this task is further proof that he has fallen from his previous professional status. Chekhov depends on irony once more to achieve dramatic tension. By attempting to maintain and even elevate his station by apologizing to the general, the clerk only manages to lose what he already had.

“‘Get out of here!!’ the General thundered suddenly, livid and trembling with rage. ‘What, sir?’ Chervyakov asked in a whisper, overcome with fright. ‘Get out of here!!’ the general repeated, stamping his feet.”

Brizzhalov experiences a change in characterization with this dialogue. No longer passive and aloof, he is now an active angry figure in the story. He also shows an authority that had been latent in earlier scenes. He thunders and appears “livid” while “stamping his feet” in provoked rage. The author also decides to capitalize “General” in these sentences, thus showing the character’s transformation from a mild-mannered government official to a vengeful totalitarian ruler.