The Cherry Orchard

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.
Main Characters
Trofimov
Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya
Anya
Leonid Andreyevich Gayev
Varya
The upper class, defined by empty talk, struggles against doers and workers like Lopakhin.
Talk vs Action
Lyubov and her family yearn for the comforts of the past, while others view the past as brutal and oppressive.
The Past
The world of privilege is dying, and Lyubov and Gayev watch helplessly as former
servants become rulers in a modern world.
Old World vs New World
Acres occupied by the cherry orchard
2,000
Year Chekhov was ill with tuberculosis before the died
20
Governess with a talent for magic tricks
Wealthy former serf; takes over the cherry orchard
Charlotta Lvanovna
Lopakhin
Numbers
Mournful sound represents change and disorder
Represents the old class structure adn way of life
Symbolizes both positive and negative aspects of the past
Snapped String
Firs
Cherry Orchard
Symbols
Short stories chekhov published between 1888 and 1904
>50
Year the Russian revolution toppled the real aristocracy
1917
Philosophizing long-time student
Landowner; cannot manage money
Lyubov's idealistic younger daughter
Lyubov's sentimental talktive brother
Lyubov's adopted older daughter
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.
Author
Firs
Old servant to Lyubov and Gayev
36