Gooseberries, a story written by Anton Chekhov. I felt that Chekhov tried to encourage us to use our own intellect and imagination to understand what motivates the characters and, also, to guess the meaning behind events. I felt that he tried to make two appeals. I believe, one, he tries to make an appeal on human indifference and the act of doing good, and he also tries to create a conflict between the characters in the story. However, this is not s direct conflict, but I feel that it is more of an indirect conflict between them. .
I think Chekhov was not successful trying to achieve his point in the story. I have read the story four times, and still I am confused, however, still I will try my best to comprehend Chekov's view. I felt he is trying to make an appeal to human indifference and the act of doing good. He mentions this while he tells the story of his brother, and when he talks to Pavel "Don't you fall into apathy, don't you let your conscience be lulled to sleep! While you are still young, strong, active, do not be weary of well-doing. There is no such thing as happiness, nor ought there to be, but if there is any sense or purpose in life, this sense and purpose are to be found not in our own happiness, but in something greater and more rational. Do good! (Pg 269)". .
I also believe that he feels sad by the fact that his brother has achieved so much, but is not doing good with his money. He feels that when you become rich, or become a proprietor, you forget about others, because you are to busy enjoying yourself. I believe that Ivan thinks that money is for doing good, or that being happy means sharing your happiness with others. Doing good, in the sense of helping others and realizing that others are not happy and help them find a purpose in life. .
This is a strong point in the story. I think that he wished to be young again so he could have a dream and save for it just like his brother, and that way is able to do good and share his happiness with others.