The diversity of stories in this collection is great, their psychological depth and philosophical richness even greater. Chekhov (1860-1904) composed most of the stories in the 1890s, although 'The Fiancee, ' written at the same time as his dramatic masterpiece, "The Cherry Orchard, " was not completed until 1903; 'The Fiancee' represents a turning point in Chekhov's career, with the high note of optimism and with its heroine, Nadya, 'a positive woman of action, ' who ultimately rejects philistine materialism for a life of hard work and self-denial.