Step 1: Understand Chekhov’s early career.
Anton Chekhov began his literary career by writing comic sketches and short stories. These early writings helped establish him as a successful writer before he moved on to more serious works, including dramas and short stories.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) novels: Incorrect. While Chekhov wrote plays and short stories, he is not primarily known for his novels.
- (B) drama: Incorrect. Chekhov became famous for his plays later in his career, but he initially wrote comic sketches.
- (C) poetry: Incorrect. Chekhov is not known for writing poetry at the beginning of his career.
- (D) comic sketches: Correct. Chekhov began by writing humorous and light-hearted comic sketches.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Anton Chekhov started his career by writing comic sketches, which were popular in Russian literary circles.