Say what you may, but if I was a guy I would probably marry ms Darling and as woman I would want her to be my friend. In my defense, I base that sentiment on my personalized reading of her character. My opinions may or might not be correct. I see Darling more as an extremely caring woman, than as a woman who can't form her own opinions. Moreover, there is more to life than opinions. I think Darling shows a strength of character. I don't see her as a spineless woman at all. Who could admire a truly mindless and spineless person?
Yes, I do understand that many see her as a negative example of what a woman should not be like, but I'm amazed by Darling's capacity for love. I see her as a heroine of sorts. Sure, Darling takes her love a bit too far, but it is hard not to admire someone capable of loving that deeply and passionately. Darling only comes alive when she loves. Without love, her life it utterly meaningless and devoid of meaning. Should anyone's life be that dependent on others? I would say not! Still, Darling is, in so many ways, kindness embodied. Perhaps saying this won't make me popular, but women who are that loving are typically also very loyal, and loyal individuals make for good friends. I would define Darling as a very empathetic person, and when a person is that emphatic, there is always the danger of loosing one's own identity. That's what happens to her and it certainly something one can critique, but I don't think it makes Darling a bad person. Isn't it better to gets lost in love than in hate?
Obviously, Darling should have her own interest and aspirations. Obviously, she shouldn't live only for others. Obviously, she needs to realize that she can exists without others, and that she needs to be her own person. I think Chekhov created a really complex character in this story. Darling is a character you can't stay indifferent to. There is more to Darling than meets the eye. She is certainly not a simpleton. At times you want to shake her up a little or yell at her, at times you want to give her a hug. When all is said and done, Darling never does anyone any harm. Darling's rather selfless, isn't she? Her inability to form a thought when left on her own, can also be attributed to a combination of mourning and depression. Not to say anything of the fact that living for others used to be what women were supposed to do. Darling is a complicated character, on one hand she is annoyingly traditional and dependent on men for leadership, but on the other hand she is so full of love, humanity and empathy that it is nearly impossible not to care for what happens to her.
The narrative is pretty straightforward and linear. I would say that the focus of the story is entirely on the character of our female protagonist. At the start of the story, Darling falls in love and marries a theater owner. The two lead a happy married life, and Darling helps her husband Kukin with his business. Darling is a tender soul but somehow she navigates befriending the actors while staying on her husband's side and acting as a sort of mediator between the actors, the clients and her husband. Darling is successful in keeping her sometimes temperamental husband Kukin happy, not so much by making a conscious effort as much as by making a lot of unconscious efforts. All of her opinions start to match his own. In a way, Darling lets her personality be dominated by that of Kukin. Or is it better to say that her personality merges with that of Kukin? At times, it seems like more than wanting to please one's husband, it seems like Darling searches to become one with her significant other.
Unfortunately, Darling's happiness comes to an end when her husband dies. Darling is devastated and losses interest in everything. When one man named Vasily expresses sympathy for her husband's passing in a way Darling finds comforting (albeit it might have been just a passing remark on his side), she warms up to him. Before long, Vasily and Darling are married. Suddenly, Darling becomes another person. Darling suddenly detest the theater and becomes solely interested in things her new husband is interested in. Under the influence of her husband, Darling becomes more religious. They lead a happy life, attending the mass every Sunday and praying regularly. However, Vasily dies as well. Once again, Darling is left alone. I won't disclose any more, not to give the whole plot again, but I think you can get a good idea of what this story is about. I would just like to add that the pacing of the novel is very well done. The story simply flows. The plot is interesting and is in perfect accord with the beginnings. The whole story felt believable and credible. I didn't manage to develop an interest in any of the other character, but perhaps that is only to be expect. After all, isn't this story all about our little Darling?
I can totally understand why Darling might annoy people. I realize that she might be seen as a bad role-model. However, in today's world of modern individuals, there is something touching about her dependence on others. To be more precise, Darling doesn't exactly depend on others to take care of her. On the contrary, she is the one who does most of the caring. Darling helps out every single one of her husbands with their work. She is obviously resourceful and intelligent when needs be. The problem with Darling is that the only needs she can feel are those of others. She only lives through others. I would say that this story acts as a warming against letting one's personality become dominated by others, but it is also shows the power of love. Darling might be a bad example in some ways, but in a way she is saved by her innocence.
I've read this little short story a number of times. It's a genuine little gem of literature. The complexity of Darlings character amazes me. On the surface, Darling seems like a woman unable to form her own option. However, she is more than that. That's the genius of this story. It can be read in so many ways. Personally, I can understand both the lovers and haters of Darling, as well as those remaining indifferent to her. I believe that story is written in such a way to allow everyone take their own lessons from it. Depending on your own mindset, the story can be depressive or inspiring....or both. It is also not devoid of humour. I do recommend it!