What is the theme in Chocolates by Louis Simpson?

Artists and society is a theme in the book. While initially appearing to undermine the notion that artists are geniuses, "Chocolates" ultimately reinforces it. The idea of genius has been associated with writers since the seventeenth century, and generally has meant a person with exceptional ability that often possesses a kind of rar-ified knowledge. The speaker presents Chekhov as a "Master," highlighting his own belief in the writer's genius, but he also questions the notion that genius exists on a plane separate from ordinary life and ordinary people.