Play Drama
The Cherry
Orchard
Author First Performed Original Language
Anton Chekhov 1904 Russian
THEMES
In with the New 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 Trofimov
Andreyevich Gayev Philosophizing
Lyubov’s sentimental, long-time student
talkative brother
Lyubov Andreyevna
Ranevskaya
Landowner; cannot manage money
Anya Lopakhin
Lyubov’s idealistic Wealthy former serf; takes
younger daughter over the cherry orchard
Charlotta Ivanovna Firs
Governess with a talent for Old servant to
magic tricks Lyubov and Gayev
Symbols
The Cherry Orchard
by the Numbers
Cherry Orchard
20 Symbolizes both positive and
negative aspects of the past
Years Chekhov was ill
with tuberculosis before
he died
Firs
2,000 Represents the old class
structure and way of life
Acres occupied by the
cherry orchard
Snapped String
1917
Mournful sound represents
Year the Russian change and disorder
Revolution toppled the
real aristocracy
Author
>50 Born in southwestern Russia,
Chekhov was a doctor and
successful writer of comic short
Short stories Chekhov
stories in addition to being a
published between 1888
beloved playwright. His last play,
and 1904
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.
ANTON CHEKHOV
1860–1904
ll Russia is our orchard. It is a great and beautiful
land, and there are many wonderful places in it.
Trofimov, Act II
Sources: Biography.com, “Chekhov’s Chronic Tuberculosis” by Brice R. Clarke,
“Chekov’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’” by Peter P. Remaley, Encyclopaedia Britannica,
The Wadsworth Anthology of Drama by W.B. Worthen
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