THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHYSICIAN IN SCHNITZLER'S AND CHEKHOV'S WORKS

Abstract

<p>Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931) and Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) were both writers as well as physicians. The latter profession had a significant influence on their works, which is evident in the frequent use of the doctor figure in their plays and prose works.</p> <p>What distinguishes Schnitzler and Chekhov from other writers of the fin-de-siècle, is their ability to clinically observe psycho- logical and social problems. Schnitzler's and Chekhov's works contain "diagnoses" made by their doctor figure.</p> <p>This study examines the respective qualities of a spectrum of six major types. There are mixed, mainly positive and mainly negative types of doctor figures, ranging from the revolutionary type down to the pathetic doctor figure and the calculating type.</p> <p>Dealing with differences as well as with similarities, the thesis concludes by showing how the characterization of the doctor figure sheds light on the authors that created them.</p>