At Home

Vera arrives in the countryside with ideas of reform and change but is routinely unable to figure out where or how to begin. Is there anything Vera could have done to implement her ideas? What forces keep Vera from acting on her beliefs? Draw from specific scenes to explain your answer.

Consider the story’s most ambiguous moment, when Vera runs to hide in the ravine in Part 3. What do you think happens in this critical moment, and why does Vera decide she must marry Dr. Neshtchapov? Use textual evidence to support your theory.

What is the significance of the title "At Home" in Chekhov's short story? How does the meaning change, if at all, when using the more literal title, “In My Native Corner”?