Swan Song: Summary and The Critical Analysis

Swan Song - Anton Chekhov The expression swan song refers to farewell appearance, a final act or statement or last works of an artist Vasili Svetlovidov enters the deserted and darkened theatre. He regrets drinking a lot of wine at the party organized in his honour. This is the first time in his life that he has slept on the stage following the play and the party. He repents how he has wasted forty-five years on the stage. He grumbles that his profession is a bottomless pit like the tomb with death hiding in it. He ponders upon the ravages of vodka and old. He tells Nikita, the prompter, his litany that he was a dashing young fellow when he was in the army. He loved an elegant, graceful and innocent lady. But she denied marrying him for his being an artist. This failed love affair led to a distrust of his audience. He regrets having no wife or children to share his life with. He laments the direction his life has taken and his declining health and talent. Then he gradually slides into reci…