If so, it might be because of a “classic” episode of the TV series, “The Twilight Zone.” Rod Serling shifts the location and changes some of the characters, the purpose for the bet, and many of the details, but it’s still an effective treatment and does, I believe, capture the “spirit” of Chekhov’s story. The premise for this story may seem familiar to some readers. The story is so short, I’ll leave it for you to read yourself if interested. Terms and rules are set and the clock begins ticking on November 14, 1870… The banker puts up “two millions” against the young lawyer’s boast that he could stay willingly imprisoned for fifteen years.
Much debate takes place, and an outrageous bet is the fallout. It’s better to live somehow than not to live at all.”
Who is the more humane executioner, one who kills you in a few seconds or one who draws the life out of you incessantly for years?”Ī brash young lawyer in attendance argues that life-imprisonment is by far more preferable, saying “Capital punishment and life-imprisonment are equally immoral but if I were offered the choice between them, I would certainly choose the second. Execution kills instantly, life-imprisonment kills by degree. One argues that it is immoral and has no place in a Christian Nation, the host disagrees, however, saying “…in my opinion capital punishment is more moral and more humane than imprisonment. I would count Anton Chekhov (above) among these select few, so I was happy to see that, when I drew the three of clubs, I had assigned it to his famous story, “The Bet.” (My roster of stories may be found here ) I also found it amusing that, after blogging last week about the concept of “Chekhov’s Gun,” the author immediately presented himself as my next “luck of the draw” selection.ĭuring a party at the house of a banker, in a drawing room conversation, a debate arises regarding capital punishment. In the nearly four years that I’ve been doing my one short story per week reading project, a handful of authors have emerged who can always be counted on to deliver the goods.
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