Question

In the story A Problem why does the Colonel say, I am not speaking Chinese; I am speaking Russian"?

A. He is trying to confuse the other characters in the story.
B. He is actually speaking in Chinese and not Russian.
C. He is asserting his national identity and expressing his frustration.
D. The Colonel never makes this statement in the story.

Answer 1

The Colonel's statement in Chekhov's 'A Problem' is a metaphor expressing his frustration over not being understood, reflecting on national identity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the historical tensions in North China around July 1937 involving Japanese troops, the statement "I am not speaking Chinese; I am speaking Russian" does not directly relate to the historical events in question. The use of this phrase in the story A Problem by Anton Chekhov is not about actual language, but rather it serves as a metaphor.

The correct answer to why the Colonel says, "I am not speaking Chinese; I am speaking Russian," is option C: he is asserting his national identity and expressing his frustration. This is a metaphorical way to stress that he is speaking clearly and plainly, in a manner that should be understandable to his audience, but he is not being comprehended, leading to his frustration.