The Steppe and Other Stories, 1887-91

PATRONYMICS

Russian names consist of first name, patronymic and surname, the patronymic or middle name being derived from the father’s first name. For example, Chekhov’s middle name, Pavlovich, derives from his father’s first name, Pavel. In formal speech first name and patronymic are usual: a servant addressing his master would use both first name and patronymic. But a master would use only a first name when talking to a servant.

However, Chekhov does now and then use the direct equivalent of the English ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’. This is used to convey extreme formality; also, sarcasm on the part of the person using it – for example, when von Koren scoffs at Layevsky in ‘The Duel’. In both cases I have retained this form of address.