How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph). We used Constance Garnett's translation.
Quote #1
The lady looked at him and at once dropped her eyes.
"He doesn't bite," she said, and blushed. (1.9-10)
Anna is immediately characterized by a sense of modesty; this renders her later indiscretion all the more shocking, and all the more indicative of a major shift in her character.
Quote #2
In the evening when the wind had dropped a little, they went out on the groyne to see the steamer come in. There were a great many people walking about the harbour; they had gathered to welcome some one, bringing bouquets. And two peculiarities of a well-dressed Yalta crowd were very conspicuous: the elderly ladies were dressed like young ones, and there were great numbers of generals. (2.2)
Chekhov doesn't let us forget the social context in which Gurov and Anna's affair takes place.
Quote #3
Then he looked at her intently, and all at once put his arm round her and kissed her on the lips, and breathed in the moisture and the fragrance of the flowers; and he immediately looked round him, anxiously wondering whether any one had seen them. (2.7)
Even in the lax atmosphere of Yalta, Gurov can't forget the restrictions of society and the threat his relationship with Anna poses to his reputation.