The Student - Anton Chekhov(1894) rate: 6.5/10 [Crossing the Threshold] Ivan, a student of the clerical academy, has hated the circumstances around him. It was dark and quiet in the forest, with a cold winter atmosphere. He even disliked going home, where his mother cleans the room and his father coughs beside the stove. Then, he approaches the garden owned by two widows, Vasilisa and Lukerya. This is where Ivan starts to cross the threshold, leaving the ordinary world and taking a step into the adventure. That night, Ivan tells the story about 'Peter', one of the twelve apostles. His story made Vasilisa cry and Lukerya to be in pain. The reactions of these two widows made Ivan realize the common emotions which link everyone, flowing one out of another. The story says that 'the inexpressible sweet expectation of happiness, of unknown mysterious happiness ... and life seemed to him enchanting, marvellous, and full of lofty meaning.' Basically, his approa...