The First of Three Sins of Anton Chekhov (Tobacco Products in Writer-Physician's Letters)


OKTAN T., ÇOBAN M.

ADDICTA-THE TURKISH JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, vol.6, no.4, pp.404-425, 2019 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 6 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.5152/addicta.2020.19138
  • Journal Name: ADDICTA-THE TURKISH JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.404-425
  • Keywords: Chekhov, Letters, Tobacco, Tobacco-related diseases
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The Russian writer Anton Chekhov was a heavy smoker. Although there have been many studies made of Chekhov and his works, to date no detailed studies have been conducted concerning the place of tobacco products in the life of this famous author and physician. This study addresses the place of tobacco products, which were regarded as a prestige element among members of the upper class of that period, in the life of Chekhov who had caught tuberculosis at a young age. How and when he begun to use these products, his dependence on them. efforts to rid himself of these products which caused a further deterioration in his health and as a doctor, his encouraging others to quit smoking. Approximately 4500 letters written by Chekhov between 1875 and 1904 were analyzed by discursive analysis. Tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and snuff were examined while reading these letters, contained in 12 volumes.