The following version of this story was used to create this study guide: Chekhov, Anton. “The Schoolmistress.” Fairfield, IA: 1st World Library, 2004. Pages 7-20 Originally published in 1897 as “In the Cart.”

The story is set in an unspecified region of the Russian countryside. The protagonist is Marya Vassilyevna, who works as a schoolmistress. The school is in fairly poor condition and is in a somewhat remote location. At regular intervals, she must travel to a nearby town to collect her pay. One day in the spring, she travels towards the town. She rides in a cart driven by a somewhat elderly man named Semyon.

Semyon tries to make conversation, but Marya does not feel like talking. She hates living in the countryside. She grew up in Moscow and was born to relatively wealthy parents. However, they died when she was still a child. Marya became a teacher out of economic necessity. She does not enjoy the work, nor does she find it fulfilling. She is also frustrated with the school board, which is largely neglectful.

During the journey, they encounter Hanov, a wealthy man who lives in his own large home in the countryside. He is about 40 years old and has a cheerful demeanor. Marya wonders why anyone would choose to live in the countryside. Hanov is said to be an alcoholic, but he is handsome. Marya briefly wonders what it would be like to be his wife, but she dismisses the thought. Marya has never fallen in love.

Marya and Semyon briefly stop at a tavern, where the locals recognize her and act alternately curt and welcoming towards her. Marya knows that some of the locals believe her to be overpaid, despite the fact that her salary is quite meager. Some of the locals also wrongly believe that she embezzles money from the school. Marya and Semyon continue on their journey. Eventually, they ford a small river and arrive at their destination. Marya sees a wealthy woman who reminds her of her deceased mother, and Marya then cries.