Skip to content

Lvov: Now explain, give me an account of how it is that…

“Lvov: Now explain, give me an account of how it is that you, an intelligent, honest, almost saintly woman, have allowed yourself to be so brazenly deceived, to be dragged into this owl's nest. Why are you here? What have you in common with this cold, heartless... but let's forget your husband…” quote by Anton Chekhov
Download Open image
““Lvov: Now explain, give me an account of how it is that you, an intelligent, honest, almost saintly woman, have allowed yourself to be so brazenly deceived, to be dragged into this owl's nest. Why are you here? What have you in common with this cold, heartless... but let's forget your husband -- what do you have in common with this empty vulgar milieu?””

Anton Chekhov

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character questions why a seemingly virtuous woman could be so easily misled and drawn into a corrupt environment, highlighting hypocrisy and moral compromise.

In simple terms: Why does a moral woman fall into a corrupt setting?

Key Takeaway

Beware of appearances; seek integrity.

Themes

hypocrisy morality power dynamics

Mood

cynical critical dramatic

Type

literary dialogue character study

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political intrigue
  • social critique

Key Concepts

Manipulation social pressure gender expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards protect moral integrity?
  • How do societal pressures erode virtue?
A Different Perspective

Even the purest can be swayed by circumstance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Anton Chekhov

Explore all 679 Anton Chekhov quotes

More Honest quotes

Browse all 7,016 Honest quotes