Living in Textiles, Hate Siberia

Chekhov's "In Exile" illustrates well a philosophical dilemma I often experience. In the story, three main characters have been exiled to Siberia. (Incidentally, it's quite possible that none of them are actually guilty.)

Vassily Sergeich comes from a wealthy background, but ends up in Siberia anyway. His wife finally visits him, bringing him great happiness, but eventually she leaves, due in part to the harsh circumstances of their living conditions in exile. Vassily Sergeich despairs, until learning to focus his love and optimism on his blossoming daughter. She eventually becomes sick and succumbs to consumption, also a victim of circumstance, leaving Vassily Sergeich little to hope for beyond the search for new and better doctors.

The character known as the Tartar is both poor and an outsider, an exile among exiles. He would gladly be tortured, if it meant a one-day visit from his wife: "Better a single day of happiness than nothing at all." Instead, due to circumstances, he is constantly hungry, cold, and miserable. The other workers refuse to share their tip money with him, and only laugh at him as he sleeps outside in the cold.

The third character, old Semyon ("nicknamed Smarty"), expects very little of his time on earth. He spends his days on and by the water, and his nights drinking vodka, and that's simply all there is. He lives in passive contentment because he accepts the nature of his existence - his life in Siberia.

To my mind, none of these characters has it totally right... or totally wrong. Two of them truly believe in love, and care about living passionately and authentically, but become overwhelmed by the system, unable to fight it. One is rich, and the other poor, but the same chains bind them. The third is like a Buddhist: he lives in the moment, but desires little; he is content because he wants nothing more.

There is no simple way to define the ideal equilibrium of traits and circumstances between these three characters. It's complicated, as it is in life. But there is a certain abstract quality that arises from the sum of their experiences. Perhaps we can take the best elements from the shared experience of Vassily Sergeich, the Tartar, and Semyon. Put it all together, extract what's needed, and reform the equation. "The desire for another life is that life already."

We want it all. And we want to be happy while seeking "it" out.