Satire and humor in A. p. Chekhov's short story "Chameleon"
The creative path of the Russian writer Anton Pavlovich fell in the 80th years of the 19th century. His favorite form of artistic expression is short stories. But behind the laconic form hides a deep immersion in the life of society. In his stories, the writer reveals themes of dehumanization of society, themes of spiritual poverty. Chekhov denounces vulgarity and poverty - but not material poverty, but spiritual poverty, which flourishes in conditions of social inequality.
In the story “Chameleon” Anton Pavlovich Chekhov seeks to show the reader that humiliation and groveling before senior officials has become one of the ways to survive in modern society. The main character of the story, who serves as a police supervisor, is ready to adapt and " change color”, literally like a chameleon. Therefore, the theme of the story is adaptability. Ochumelov changes his opinion and assessment of current events, depending on how profitable it is to evaluate it. He creates the appearance of hard work, saying “I will not leave this so!”. But in reality, he is afraid “that something will not happen”, afraid of falling out of favor with high-ranking officials.
The puppy, who is the main troublemaker in the story, quickly changes its status - from a criminal and homeless dog to a thoroughbred Greyhound puppy, not guilty of anything. This also shows what a chameleon police officer Ochumelov is. It does not have a court that is equal and fair for all. In his eyes, it is more important who is stronger, who is richer, who has power.
He himself also has power - over ordinary citizens, peasants and other ordinary people who meet on his way. To all of them, he speaks in your language, speaks with authority, in short, staccato sentences. He likes to raise his voice and uses rough, reduced vocabulary. The characters in Chekhov's story have speaking surnames and represent different strata of society.
The problems that Chekhov raised in his work are relevant and topical in modern society, where hypocrisy and "chameleonism" are inherent in many people. In order to “curry favor” and get a high position, people are ready to change their minds, as they benefit - just as chameleons merge with the environment to survive.
