Summary of “The Marshal’s Widow” by Anton Chekhov.

Every year on 1st February, the widow Lyubov Petrovna holds a special prayer and grand lunch in memory of her late husband, a district marshal who died due to excessive drinking.

To honor him and promote temperance, she strictly bans all alcohol from her home. Important officials and landowners attend the solemn memorial service, acting serious and respectful.

But when they sit for lunch, they feel something is missing. The food is excellent, yet they cannot enjoy it without liquor. Quietly and secretly, the guests slip into the entrance hall, where they have hidden bottles in their coats.

One by one, they drink in secret until several bottles are emptied. Soon some guests become overly emotional, cry unnecessarily, stumble, or faint—clear signs of drunkenness.

However, the widow remains blissfully unaware. She believes their tears and dramatic behavior are signs of deep respect and affection for her husband and for her efforts to promote sobriety.

Proud of her success, she writes to her friend in Petersburg, convinced that everyone has supported her cause, not knowing that behind her back, all her guests were happily drinking.

MAIN IDEA / MESSAGE OF THE STORY

1. Hypocrisy – The guests pretend to be respectful and sober but secretly drink.

2. Self-deception – The widow believes she is promoting temperance, but she is completely unaware of the truth.

3. Human weakness – People want to follow social rules, but old habits (like drinking) are hard to break.

4. Satire – Chekhov humorously shows how society behaves during formal rituals.