Features of Nihilism in Chekhov's Theatrical Texts

Abstract

Research Summary:

Nihilism is considered one of the most prominent philosophical currents that has preoccupied modern human thought. It is based on a radical skepticism toward traditional meanings associated with life, values, and absolute truths. Nihilism represents a sharp intellectual response to the collapse of metaphysical and religious systems, and expresses the crisis of modern man who finds himself face to face with a silent universe that neither cares about his existence nor grants him a predetermined purpose. This idea has been addressed by many playwrights, especially Chekhov, who opened the door with his questions about the and whether there is any true meaning that can be held onto, or if all meanings are artificial, fragile, and transient. From this perspective, the idea of our current research was born, which is structured into four chapters. The first chapter addresses the research problem, which is based on the following question: What are the reasons that led Chekhov to gravitate toward nihilism in his theatrical texts? It also includes the importance of the research and the need for it, followed by the research objective, the scope of the study, and finally, the definition and clarification of key terms.

As for the second chapter, it consists of two sections. The first section is titled Nihilism: Concepts and Perspectives. The second section was titled Nihilism in the Theatrical Text. The third chapter included the research procedures, which covered the research population, research sample, methodology, and research tool, concluding with the sample analysis section. The fourth chapter presented the findings, among the most important of which was: The characters wait for change, but as time passes, ambition fades and the sense of meaninglessness deepens. It also included the conclusions, the most significant being: Life is not a series of events directed toward a purpose, but rather a long wait for something that never happens. The research concludes with a list of sources and references.