The Duel

Compare and contrast Von Koren and Laevsky. What are their views on the role of individuals, both in relation to the needs of others and society as a whole? How do these characters understand and feel about one another? How are they bound together in relation to the themes of the novella? Make sure to use textual evidence in your response.

What role does landscape play in The Duel? Consider the use of landscape as setting, plot point, and metaphor in your analysis.

How does social rank and social class determine the actions and the worldview of the characters? Consider the historical and cultural context in which Chekhov wrote.