THE NINNY.
By: Anton Chekhov
Setting: The Master and his wife's house.
Characters: The Master, The Governess (Yulia Vassilyevna), The children; Koyla and Vanya,& The Master’s wife.
Plot:
Exposition. The Master invites the governess, Yulia, to his study with the purpose of discussing her salary.
Rising Action. The Master not only starts to trick her with false information, but also starts telling her about her faults, uncommitments, and other shortcomings leading him to discounting her more than the half of her real wage.
Climax. The governess put up with everything she wanted to say to her master as she thought that at least it is a payment, since in her old jobs she was not even paid.
Falling Action. Yulia accepts the money her master gave her, but then he told her that he had been cheating her to see her reaction.
Resolution. As Yulia worked without complying, he gave her her well-deserved salary. And he also told her that she should be less insecured and not let injustices be done against her.
Conflict:
Man vs. Man. The governess debates whether or not to tell him what she thinks about his mistreatment of her. Obviously, her master minimizes her work and tries to deceive her, but when she knows it, she does nothing, doesn’t claim, doesn’t oppose, nothing.
Man vs. Society. The power and the superior position of the wealthy people and the inferiority of the poor. It also talks about how poor many times can't stand up for their rights, and highlights the sense, control and power the master has over the governess and how easy it is to manipulate her.
Man vs. Nature. There’s no ‘’Man vs. Nature’’
Man vs. Super-power. There’s no ‘’Man vs. Super-power’’
Theme: ‘’Find your name and find your voice by speaking yourself’’
Voice: 1st person.
Mood: Angry, sad and impotent.
Tone: Simple, precise, formal and respectful.
Ending Changed
The governess stands for her rights and claims her master for her real and fair pay. The master is surprised as he thought she was not going to say anything but as she said it, he tries to trick her to see her reaction. She even tells him that she is going to resign; however, then he admits that he is only proving her. He congratulates her for her position and braveness and she receives the money happily.
