Parent Guide > A Defenseless Creature

by Anton Chekhov 1887

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "A Defenseless Creature" by Anton Chekhov.

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian physician, playwright, and prolific author. He is famous for his mastery of crafting short stories. In this story, a woman pleads for aid from a banker on behalf of her sick husband — and won't take no for an answer.

As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Comedy & Tragedy as it relates to the text. We are trying to answer this big question :

"What can we learn from comedy?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this short story at home:
    • What was "A Defenseless Creature" about?
    • What did you learn about Comedy & Tragedy?
  • Watch Students Present "The Good Doctor" at home with your child.