Lessons 55–57 · 3 lessons · B. To‘xliyev, B. Karimov, K. Usmonova. Literature: textbook-collection for Grade 11 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions, Parts 1–2. 1st edition. “O‘zbekiston milliy ensiklopediyasi” State Scientific Publishing House, Tashkent, 2018
57
About Chekhov’s story
Textbook: Part 2, pp. 161–163
GoalUnderstand from the commentary on “Garov” its main ideas – the meaning of life, reading, wealth and spiritual maturity.
New words
main idea · bosh g‘oyaconflict · ziddiyatreading · mutolaaspiritual maturity · ma’naviy kamolot
Explanation
According to the commentary, the story is built on the conflict between the banker and the young lawyer and stresses the questions of the meaning of life, the value of youth and what wealth is for. The author shows that reading is not only reading many books but connecting what is read with life, leading to maturity and a deeper grasp of the meaning of life; otherwise education is cut off from life. After fifteen years the lawyer regards money and the world’s goods as fleeting and gives up the two million; this also strongly affects the banker. The commentary also concludes, when judged by Eastern ethical standards, that a person must not forget the next world for this one, nor this one for the next; life must not be thrown to the wind. The bet teaches a lesson as an event that, as a result of an ill-judged argument, turned the fates of two people onto another course.
two values
The banker
The lawyer
wealth, two million
knowledge and inner growth
Worked examples
Example: the title “Garov” names the central event and prompts thought about its consequences – the fates of two people.
Example: the lawyer’s letter makes the banker think about his own moral state; so the letter counts as the turning point (climax) of the story.
Class activity
Discussion: compare the views of life of the two heroes of “Garov” – the banker and the lawyer – in a table with four opposing features.
Practice
1
According to the commentary, which questions does “Garov” stress?
The meaning of life, the value of youth, and what wealth is needed for.
2
According to the commentary, what should reading be like?
Books must connect with life, lead a person to maturity and make the meaning of life clearer.
3
Why does the lawyer give up the bet money?
Because he regards riches as fleeting and greed as harmful; he leaves early so as not to take the money.
4
What lesson does the story give about argument and betting?
That an ill-judged argument and bet can turn two people’s fates onto another path, so life must not be wasted.
