"The Bet" is a short story by Anton Chekhov, first published in 1889. The story revolves around a bet made between a wealthy banker and a young lawyer. The banker argues that capital punishment is more humane than life imprisonment, while the lawyer argues the opposite.
To settle the bet, the banker agrees to lock the lawyer in a room for fifteen years with no human contact or communication with the outside world. The lawyer is allowed books, music, wine, and writing materials but is prohibited from any kind of human interaction. If the lawyer stays in the room for the full fifteen years, the banker will pay him two million rubles.
Over time, the lawyer's views on life and imprisonment change, and he becomes disillusioned with material wealth. He decides to leave the room a few hours before the fifteen-year period is up, forfeiting the two million rubles. The banker, who has become bankrupt, considers killing the lawyer to avoid paying the bet but ultimately decides not to.
"The Bet" is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the value of material possessions. It is known for its concise and precise language, as well as its compelling characters and philosophical themes. The story has been widely anthologized and is considered one of Chekhov's most famous works.
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