In this episode, we reflect on how these three stories - The Man in a Case, Gooseberries and About Love - intermesh. Chekhov draws his characters with gentle, clear-eyed irony. Like the curious figure of Mavra, these men fear to take decisive action, they clothe their deepest aspirations in silence and shy away from risk. There are brief moments of radiance but the rain that falls during these stories leaves hopes and dreams damp and defeated.