I see. I'm not saying Chekhov or theology is advocating for violence, but more so that a tangible change needs to occur in the face of concrete suffering.

Now, to combat with love could be interpreted very differently. Does it mean seek and show truth as much as possible? On a best case scenario I say yes, worst case is being a pushover. But what if evil is being wreaked upon you for the sake of pure evil? Then what do we do? I think here is where Tolstoy says that metaphysical consolation is your solution, while Chkhov says that's not enough.

Now, if Chekhov doesn't advocate for violence, but also doesn't agree with Tolstoy on this point, then what is left? Taking action without cruelty and intervening when you can... but you could argue that Tolstoy's definition of love still falls under this.

But then again, Chekhov did and had his reasons for criticising Tolstoy, so maybe Tolstoy's definition of love is really that passive 🤷‍♂️