Ordinary
levelEnglish
literature
anthology
based dramaThe Bear by
Anton
checkhov
Misogynism
Character traits
of Stepanovich
Smirnov
Chauvinism
Boldness
Boorishness
Emotional
Volatility
Misogynism
Smirnov doesn’t judge women as individuals but condemns
them as a group, stating that all women are terrible, which
shows his level of misogyny.
• “ I’d rather sit on a barrel of gun powder than talk to a woman “
• “ All women, great or little, are insincere, crooked, backbiters,
envious, liars to the marrow of their bones, vain, trivial, merciless,
unreasonable, and, as far as this is concerned…..”
Smirnov mocks Popova’s mourning and accuses women of
being overly dramatic and fake in their feelings. He sees
emotional expression as weakness and manipulative
behavior.
• “ But have you ever met a woman who can love anybody
except a lapdog? “
• “ You’ll meet a cat with a horn or a white woodcock sooner
than a constant woman.”
• “ That’s real silly feminine logic “
Chauvinism
Smirnov views women as emotional, weak, and irrational. He also
views qualities such as courage and combat as inherently masculine.
That is why he is shocked with Popova’s response:
• “ May I ask what right you have to insult me?”
He threatens Popova with a duel—a violent, masculine tradition. His
willingness to fight a woman shows how far he’ll go to maintain
control and superiority, even if it defies social norms.
• “We'll fight it out! I'm not going to be insulted by anybody, and I don't care if
you are a woman, one of the "softer sex," indeed!”
Popova’s strength and self-control threaten Smirnov’s sense of male
dominance, leading him to lash out with insults and challenges.
Boldness
Despite his rudeness, Smirnov is bold and direct. This is one of his
positive characteristic that prevails throughout the drama.
He says what he thinks without hypocrisy or manipulation. he is
rough, but authentic. To quote from the text:
• “I didn't come to your steward, but to you! What the devil, excuse my saying
so, have I to do with your steward!”
In the resolution stage, his boldness goes to an extent to which he
starts to criticize Popova without thinking twice:
• “You may have buried yourself alive, but you haven't forgotten to
powder your face!”
Moreover, Smirnov is not ashamed of being
bold and authentic and asks Popova to allow
him to be straightforward and convey his
feelings transparently to her:
• “You must allow me to call things by their real
names. I'm not a woman, and I'm used to saying
what I think straight out! Don't
you shout, either!”
Boorishness
Smirnov storms into Popova’s home and immediately starts
shouting about his debt. He doesn’t care that she’s mourning or
that he’s a guest—he’s loud, demanding, and disrespectful.
Smirnov mocks Popova’s mourning and shows no empathy for
her loss. He treats her emotions as weakness and refuses to
acknowledge her pain.
Dueling a woman was unheard of and considered dishonorable.
Smirnov’s willingness to do so shows how far removed he is from
refined behavior.
He barges in without invitation, refuses to leave, and behaves as
though he owns the place. He ignores basic manners and treats
Popova’s grief as an inconvenience.
Some Quotes Indicating Smirnov’s Boorish
Qualities
“ Not one of the swine wants to pay me!” ,
“ You fool, you’re too fond of talking…..Ass!” – Shows Smirnov’s
abusive language.
“ Dust all over, boots dirty, unwashed, unkempt, straw on my
waist coat” – Depicts Smirnov’s Dirty attire.
“ Smirnov grips the back of a chair; the chair creaks and breaks”Indicates to Smirnov’s impolite behavior.
Emotional Volatility
He shifts rapidly between emotions: frustration, mockery,
indignation, and eventually romance.
At the exposition stage, Smirnov states his intentions in a way
that makes readers think that his mid will never change
• I have not the pleasure of being your husband or fiancé, so please don’t
make scenes. I don’t like it.
However, later on, we can see that his emotions have entirely
inverted. He claims to hate women, yet falls in love with one. He
says he’s calm and logical, yet shouts and insults.
• “ I absolutely like her! Absolutely! ..... I’m almost ready to let the debt
go, and I’m not even angry any longer. Wonderful woman!”
Conclusion
Smirnov is bold and direct although he is rude. This is one of the
positive characteristic of him that prevails throughout the drama.
Chauvinism is also a characteristic of Smirnov, that’s why he’s shocked
when Popova speaks assertively and challenges him. His reaction
implies that women should not speak back to men, especially with
confidence or authority.
Smirnov is a misogynistic person, that’s why his speech is filled with
insults and condescending remarks toward women. His tone is
aggressive and mocking, reinforcing his belief that women are beneath
him.
Smirnov also has Boorish qualities, that is the reason why he mocks
Popova’s reasoning and refuses to engage in thoughtful conversation.
He’s not interested in ideas—only in brute force and dominance. This
shows a lack of intellectual depth and refinement.
 Smirnov is also a emotionally volatile person, that’s why he has
Sudden Mood Swings. One moment he’s shouting about how much he
hates women, and the next he’s declaring his love for Popova.