Themes in The Bet

The Pitfalls of Materiality: Although the story does not provide resolution on the issue of capital punishment, it does explore the meaning of human life. The lawyer, who survives fifteen years of solitary confinement, comes away from his years of studying and reading with newfound knowledge. He sees the world in a new light, understanding that humans are egotistical and power-hungry. This belief is exemplified by the banker whose wealth and loss of wealth cause him to act dishonestly and consider committing murder.

Themes Examples in The Bet:

Part II

"fireproof safe...." See in text (Part II)

Chekhov’s stories and plays tend to end on an ambiguous note and provide no moral resolution. “The Bet” is no exception. The lawyer leaves the garden lodge with a greater, more refined understanding of the world and the futility of materiality; the banker ends the story despising himself. Readers never discover the answer to the first question posed—whether capital punishment or life imprisonment is more humane. Instead, they finish the story wondering what its moral lesson is—or whether there even is one. Perhaps the story provides insight on solitary confinement or on the downfalls of materiality. Readers should make sense of the ending as they choose.

Tess, Owl Eyes Staff

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"I know that I am wiser than all of you...." See in text (Part II)

Years spent in solitary confinement have allowed the lawyer to read about the world in vivid detail. He has studied the human condition and lived vicariously through the words of Shakespeare, Byron, and others. He has been enlightened by this literature and now disdains human pettiness and material greed.

Tess, Owl Eyes Staff

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