Limited point-of-view in Chekhov's "Vanka"

Chekhov Vanka

In Chekhov's story, many details remind the reader of Vanka's limited point-of-view. Vanka's anecdotes are always told from the point-of-view of a child who has been relatively well treated. He is often overdramatic, as is typical of many children. In describing his distress, Vanka writes, "I will always pray for you do take me away from here or I'll die...." His descriptions and memories are childlike, as e describes being fed sweets, playing with Eel (the dog), and being taught to read. Clearly, his Grandfather was in service in the kitchens, and as so likely had very different memories of being servant and required to get a Christmas tree. The story also says little about Pelageva, Vanka's mother, other than that she was in service at the big house. The story also fails to mention the exact circumstances of Vanka's apprenticeship to the shoemaker Alyahin.

The story is consistent in depicting the world as seen through Vanka's limited point-of-view. It does not mention details like postage, which are likely out of Vanka's knowledge. It also does not mention the reasons that Vanka ended up at the shoemakers.

The author in this story is a third person narrator that has a clear view of Vanka's feelings and thoughts, but no understanding of the world outside of Vanka's experience. This limited perspective allows the reader to clearly experience events from Vanka's point-of-view.