6

On the Internet, one often comes across, in different versions, Chekhov's statement that a person who does not answer a letter is like a person who rejects a hand extended to him for a handshake.

Maybe someone has read all of Chekhov's letters and can suggest the source of the statement. Or is this statement a fabrication?

Improve this question
2
  • Can you point to an example of one of the Internet quotations?
    – Clara Diaz Sanchez
    May 16 at 9:55
  • 1
    @ClaraDiazSanchez I've seen similar quotes in Russian: "Не ответить на письмо — это все равно что не подать руки, когда вам протягивают руку". Translated into English, it will sound like this: "Not answering a letter is like not shaking hands when someone extends their hand to you."
    – ollazarev
    May 17 at 11:17

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

Mentioned in Korney Chukovsky's diary entry for Jan. 23, 1910:

Вас. Ив. Немирович-Данченко был у меня сегодня и рассказывал между прочим про Чехова; он встретился с Чеховым в Ницце: Чехов отвечал на все письма, какие только он получал.

– Почему? – спросил Василий Иванович.
– А видите ли, был у нас учитель в Таганроге, которого я очень любил, и однажды я протянул ему руку, а он (не заметил) и не ответил на рукопожатье. И мне так больно было.

Vas. Iv. Nemirovich-Danchenko visited me today and told me, among other things, about Chekhov; he met Chekhov in Nice: Chekhov answered all the letters he received.

– Why? Vasily Ivanovich asked.

– But you see, we had a teacher in Taganrog, whom I loved very much, and one day I extended my hand to him, and he didn't notice and didn't respond to the handshake. And it hurt so much.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.