Literal Comprehension: Gurov saw Anna at Yalta, a seaside town. Both of them had arrived there for their holiday. Anna’s husband was expected to join her there. But when he did not come Gurov went to her hotel and made love with her. Anna was sorry for what she had done. Then Gurov consoled and both of them spent the day together, dining, lunching, and visiting places. When Anna got a later from her husband, she went back home. But she told Gurov that she would never visit him. Gurov also went home in Moscow, but he did could not forget Anna. He met her at the theater and she promised to come to Moscow. After this, she would see him in Moscow once in every two or three months. Although they were growing older, they felt that they loved each other more and more. But they were forced to live separately. They were planning to live in the same city and see each other openly. But it would be very difficult.

Interpretation: This story might be trying to tell us that true love beginning when people become more experienced and when they have crossed the barrier of lust (passion). It may also be interpreted to mean that human beings are puppets in the hand of fate. We do not know whom we love and whom we marry. Anyway, this story stands as a remarkable proof of the writer’s belief in the value of human love.

Critical Thinking: This story has beautifully presented the unlawful love of two married persons. Both of them do not love their spouses. But plan to live in the same city seeing each other openly. Will their plan be successful? Will their spouses accept their love? Should they not be punished for their unlawful love? These are some of the questions which arias in our minds when we read this story.

Assimilation: After reading this story I realize how important love is in human life. It is the only shelter for human beings. Wealth and education do not make one’s life complete if there is no one to love truly.