Distant Freedom

Essay on Chekhov

Jacques Ranciere, Steven Corcoran

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English

Polity Press
17 February 2026

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 ; Philosophy: aesthetics

Chekhov’s short stories offer a subtle yet powerful message: that there is potential for change in our lives. Contrary to the image of a desolate soul, they reveal Chekhov as a beacon of hope and freedom. His narratives delve into the very essence of time, juxtaposing the relentless monotony of servitude with the glimmering moments that fracture this cycle, hinting at the existence of a different, more liberated existence. This is the way to approach all these brief tales of lost lives, nights filled with tears and joy, landscapes, or love, against the cynicism of those who believe time is destined to replicate the same. In these glimmers, new forms of life arise—noble and sensible shapes that we might already be nearing and occasionally perceive.

Jacques Rancière, using Chekhov’s stories as a lens, sees literature not as a source of knowledge but as a catalyst for reshaping emotions. It’s about reframing our experience of sadness, urging us towards a different life. He unveils the profound capability of literature: positioning us within the landscape of freedom, transparent about the distance it holds from our reality, yet unwavering in the standards it sets, inviting us to strive towards them.

By: Jacques Ranciere
Translated by: Steven Corcoran
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781509567355
ISBN 10: 1509567356
Pages: 120
Publication Date: 17 February 2026
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Jacques Rancière is a leading French philosopher and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Paris-St. Denis.