What is the plot in The Bear by Chekhov?

Question by nily0121: what is the plot in The Bear by Anton Chekhov?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Tequila
“Popova is still in deep mourning seven months after her husband’s death. She stays alone at her country house, refusing to go out or to see anybody. Suddenly, Smirnov arrives and rudely insists on seeing her. Popova’s late husband owed him 1200 roubles and he demands the debt be paid at once because his creditors are after him.
“Popova delays. Smirnov insists, makes light of Popova’s mourning, and refuses to leave. They angrily vie with one another: “Men are rude and inconstant!” “Women are fickle and manipulative!” (It turns out that Popova’s husband was actually a liar and cheat, but she remains true to his memory just to show him how faithful a woman can be.)
“Smirnov challenges her to a duel for insulting him and Popova brings out her husband’s pistols. At this point Smirnov realizes that he has fallen in love with this tough, spunky woman. Popova vacillates for a moment, but they end up in each other’s arms. (All this in 12 pages.)”
http://litmed.med.nyu.edu/Annotation?action=view&annid=1080

“Certainly, the war between the sexes did not begin with Chekhov; however, ‘The Brute’ brings to this ageless war a vivid battle between Mrs. Popov and Smirnov. Mrs. Popov is determined to faithfully mourn her unfaithful husband while Smirnov is an equally determined creditor bent on hounding the widow for the repayment of his loan. This war of words escalates, and soon in utter frustration, Smirnov challenges the ‘grieving’ widow to a duel. When Mrs. Popov proudly accepts, sparks begin to fly–but not sparks of contempt. Smirnov finds in her defiance an overwhelming attraction that he cannot fight. As the play ends, the proposal for a duel is rescinded and a proposal of marriage is issued instead.”

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