#216 Sleepy- Anton Chekhov
The Masters are asleep and the thirteen year-old nanny,
Varka, is tending to their child. She is exhausted, cannot keep her eyes open,
but she must. The child needs care and if she sleeps, the masters will beat
her. All night, she falls into half awake half dreamlike states, never getting
enough. When the morning comes, even without sleep, she is expected to work:
-Varka, light the stove.
-Varka, set up the samovar.
-Varka, clean the master’s galoshes.
-Varka, wash the front steps.
-Varka, run and fetch the bottles of beer.
-Varka, rock the baby.
Night after day after night, reality is a myth. The baby is
the enemy and must go. Then she can get sleep. Chekhov does a great job
creating tension and anxiety. You really feel tired and angry and want this
poor girl to get some rest.
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