Checkov and Oates' Lady with a Pet Dog Romanticism vs. Modernism

Checkov and Oates’ “The Lady with a Pet Dog”: Modernism vs. Romanticism There are many debatable similarities and differences between Checkov’s “Lady with a Pet Dog” set in Russia in the early part of the century and Joyce Carol Oates’ “Lady with a Pet Dog” told from Anna’s point of view in the 1970’s in Nantucket. However, Oates’ modernization makes the story ‘lose a lot in translation’. The modernized version lacks the romance …

…as disposable somewhat is contra-romance and does not leave room for any touching moments in the story. Oates’ lack of character depth-in contrast to Checkov expressing for readers his character’s thoughts and feelings-leaves the reader feeling cold and untouched. The story is so cold that it leaves the reader desiring to read it first and get it over with before immersing themselves in Checkov’s “Lady with a Pet Dog” to actually enjoy themselves.