The Cherry Orchard was the drama-based novel by Anton Chekhov wrote before his untimely death, in 1904. The play is in many ways an elegy for an old Russia that was in the process of dying at the turn of the century, with the new Russia powerless to be born. But despite this elegiac quality, Chekhov himself considered the play a comedy – a ‘four-act vaudeville’.
The play revolves around an aristocratic Russian land-owner who returns to her family estate (which includes a large well-known cherry orchard) just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. Unresponsive to offers to save the estate, she allows its sale to the son of a former serf; the family leaves to the sound of the cherry orchard being cut down.
Ranevskaya has been living with an unnamed lover in France for five years, ever since her young son drowned. After receiving news that she had tried to kill herself, Ranevskaya's 17-year-old daughter Anya and Anya's governess Charlotta Ivanovna have gone to fetch her and bring her home to Russia. They are accompanied by Yasha, Ranevskaya's valet who was with her in France. The story presents themes of cultural futility – both the futile attempts of the aristocracy to maintain its status and of the bourgeoisie to find meaning in its new-found materialism.
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Outline
The Cherry Orchard
Themes
Set in early 1900s Russia, The Cherry Orchard tells the story of Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya and her family as they fall from the upper class. In denial about her changing social position, Lyubov refuses to take action to save her family. As the estate and orchard slip away, Lyubov's family struggles to adjust to a new world order.
Old World vs New World
The world of privilege is dying, and Lyubov and Gayev watch helplessly as former servants become rulers in a modern world.
The Past
Lyubov and her family yearn for the comforts of the past, while others view the past as brutal and oppressive.
Talk vs Action
The upper class, defined by empty talk, struggles against doers and workers like Lopakhin.
Main Characters
Varya
Lyubov's adopted older daughter
Leonid Andreyevich Gayev
Lyubov's sentimental talktive brother
Anya
Lyubov's idealistic younger daughter
Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya
Landowner; cannot manage money
Trofimov
Philosophizing long-time student
Lopakhin
Wealthy former serf; takes over the cherry orchard
Charlotta Lvanovna
Governess with a talent for magic tricks
Firs
Old servant to Lyubov and Gayev
Numbers
20
Year Chekhov was ill with tuberculosis before the died
2,000
Acres occupied by the cherry orchard
1917
Year the Russian revolution toppled the real aristocracy
>50
Short stories chekhov published between 1888 and 1904
Symbols
Cherry Orchard
Symbolizes both positive and negative aspects of the past
Firs
Represents the old class structure adn way of life
Snapped String
Mournful sound represents change and disorder
Author
ANTON CHEKHOV 1860-1904
Born in southwestern Russia, Chekhov was a doctor and successful writer of comic short stories in addition to being a beloved playwright. His last play, The Cherry Orchard, which he considered a comedy because of its funny elements and ridiculous actions, was first performed just six months before he died.
The Cherry Orchard
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Themes
The Cherry Orchard
Set in early 1900s Russia, The Cherry Orchard tells the story of Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya and her family as they fall from the upper class. In denial about her changing social position, Lyubov refuses to take action to save her family. As the estate and orchard slip away, Lyubov's family struggles to adjust to a new world order.