THE SUITOR AND PAPA SUMMARY

 The Suitor and Papa

Introduction

"The Suitor and Papa" is a humorous short story written by the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov (An-ton Che-khov). The story explores the lengths to which a young man will go to avoid the responsibility of marriage and the desperation of a father trying to marry off one of his seven daughters.

Detailed Summary

The story begins with Pyotr Petrovich Milkin (Pyoh-tr Pe-tro-vich Mil-kin) at a summer ball, where a friend teases him about his upcoming marriage to Nastya (Nas-tya). Milkin has been spending a lot of time with the Kondrashkin (Kon-drash-kin) family—dining there, singing ballads, and walking with Nastya—which has led everyone to believe he will marry her.

Worried by these rumours, Milkin decides to visit the father, Kondrashkin, to say goodbye and end the relationship before things get serious. However, Kondrashkin is eager for the marriage because he has seven daughters to marry off. He ignores Milkin’s attempts to say goodbye and instead pressures him to propose.

To escape, Milkin starts making up several excuses, but Kondrashkin counters every one of them:

1. Different Views: Milkin says they don't share the same convictions. Kondrashkin replies that people change and "rough edges" are rubbed off over time.
2. Being Poor: Milkin says he is unworthy and poor. Kondrashkin points out that Milkin earns a salary.
3. Being a Drunkard: Milkin claims he is a drunkard with a "hereditary vice." Kondrashkin says he has never seen Milkin drunk and doesn't believe it.
4. Taking Bribes: Milkin claims he takes bribes. Kondrashkin laughs it off, saying, "Who doesn't?"
5. Embezzlement and Forgery: Milkin says he is on trial for stealing a large sum of money and for forgery. Kondrashkin says if Nastya loves him, she will follow him even to Siberia (prison).
6. Runaway Convict: In desperation, Milkin says he is a runaway convict living under an alias. At first, Kondrashkin is shocked, but then he tells Milkin to marry anyway since no one will ever find out.
7. Insanity: Finally, Milkin claims he is "mad" (insane).

Milkin rushes to his friend Dr. Fituyev (Fi-too-yev) to get a medical certificate proving he is insane so he cannot marry. However, the doctor refuses, stating that a man who does not want to get married is actually very wise and sane. The story ends with Milkin’s plan failing because his very desire to avoid marriage proves he is of sound mind.

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Theme

• Social Pressure and Marriage: The story highlights the 19th-century social pressure to get married. For Kondrashkin, marriage is a way to get rid of the "burden" of his seven daughters.
• Self-Centredness and Hypocrisy: Both characters are selfish. Milkin is willing to claim he is a criminal just to avoid responsibility, while Kondrashkin is willing to marry his daughter to a "criminal" just to get her off his hands.
• Appearance vs. Reality: On the surface, the families seem hospitable and "cordial," but underneath, there is a desperate struggle of interests.

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Setting

The story is set in 19th-century Russia. The scenes take place during a summer ball and later in Kondrashkin’s study. This setting reflects the social customs of the Russian middle class of that era, where formal courtship and parental approval were essential.

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Literary Devices

• Irony: The greatest irony is at the end. Milkin tries to prove he is "crazy" to avoid marriage, but the doctor says that avoiding marriage is the most "sane" thing a man can do.
• Humour and Satire: Chekhov uses humour to mock the desperation of parents and the cowardice of young suitors.
• Hyperbole (Exaggeration): Milkin’s excuses become increasingly exaggerated and ridiculous—from being a drunkard to a runaway convict—showing his extreme desperation.

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Character Analysis

Pyotr Petrovich Milkin (Pyoh-tr Pe-tro-vich Mil-kin)

Milkin is the "suitor" who is actually terrified of commitment. He is dishonest and cowardly, as he prefers to lie about being a criminal rather than simply telling the truth about his feelings. He is self-centred because he only cares about his own freedom and does not consider how his actions or lies might hurt Nastya or her family.

Kondrashkin (Kon-drash-kin)

Kondrashkin is the "Papa" who is desperate and manipulative. He is burdened by the responsibility of having seven daughters and is willing to overlook any flaw—even crime or madness—just to secure a husband for Nastya. His "cordial hospitality" is actually a mask for his own agenda.

Dr. Fituyev (Fi-too-yev)

The doctor appears briefly at the end to provide the final comic twist. His refusal to help Milkin serves as a satirical commentary on marriage, suggesting that only a "madman" would actually want to get married.

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