What a cherry orchard is to the characters in a play. The Cherry Orchard. What did the garden mean to the heroes?
The district town in which Khlestakov accidentally found himself was located in the depths of Russia, “even if you ride for three years, you won’t reach any state.” In the image of this city, all “Russian life is meaningful” (Yu. Mann).
A city is its inhabitants. Gogol portrays, first of all, the main officials. In the play there are six of them and Khlestakov, whom they, with their fear, elevated to the rank of a powerful auditor.
Officials, although they represent one layer (officialdom) of the county society, are all different... Here is Judge Lyapkin-Tyapkin, the surname comes from the colloquial expression tyap-blunder, that is, somehow. He is a fan of hound hunting. In his court, instead of the emblem of justice, there hangs a hunting arapnik. The postmaster reads other people's letters and keeps the most interesting ones for himself “as a souvenir.” Strawberry informer. It is in charge of “charitable institutions,” that is, hospitals, shelters for orphans and the elderly. The gentle surname only emphasizes the evil trickiness of this character: as soon as he finds himself alone with Khlestakov, he immediately files a secret denunciation against all the officials of the district city.
The superintendent of the schools, Khlopov (from “khlop” - servant, serf) is the most intimidated official, always trembling before the highest ranks. But the main person in the bureaucratic world is the mayor with an intricate and long last name - Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky “a see-through, clear-cut guy.” The mayor is a very intelligent person. Gogol specifically writes about this in his additions to the play. The author feared that the mayor would be mistaken for a stupid person who could be easily deceived. And he is “already old in the service and a very intelligent man in his own way.” “Moreover, he is accustomed to the fact that an intelligent person is one who will not allow himself to be deceived, but he himself constantly deceives others.”
All officials in Gogol's comedy "The Inspector General" have their own face, the character of each of them is sharply outlined. And they live in accordance with their characters, habits and position. The “smart” mayor held name days for himself twice a year in order to receive gifts. The “sweet and kind” postmaster, satisfying his curiosity, reads other people’s letters. “Tender” Strawberry, like a family, steals money intended for the purchase of medicine. The officials in Gogol's comedy "The Inspector General" live ordinary lives, not even admitting the thought that they are criminals.
The inspector breaks into the mossy, stagnant, but well-established life of the district town, and then it becomes clear that the standards by which he lives are absolute absurdity. The city's rulers are a "gang of robbers." Bribes, in their understanding, are something “ordained by God himself.”
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol introduces the viewer into an outwardly ordinary, and therefore very familiar, world. Upon closer inspection, he turned out to be insane. In all its links it was built on lies. It was not Khlestakov who deceived the mayor - the mayor, who built his entire life on lies and deception, deprived himself of the opportunity to distinguish truth from lies. The central, main lie on which the entire life of Gogol’s officials is built is the conviction that rank, rank, order, money are the meaning of life and its true values, and the person himself, his dignity, rights and talents, happiness and unhappiness, aspiration they have no value for goodness and justice.
Rank, in the mayor’s understanding, is the right to legalized robbery. His logic is simple and straightforward - you can take it, but according to your rank.
Admiration for rank overshadowed the officials of man. Bewitched by the magic of the high rank to which they elevated Khlestakov, they immediately forgot their everyday experience and made Khlestakov into someone he never was.
Almost the entire land of the old noble estate, owned by Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya and her brother, Leonid Andreevich Gaev, is occupied by a huge cherry orchard known throughout the province. Once upon a time, it gave the owners a large income, but after the fall of serfdom, the economy on the estate fell apart, and the garden remained for him just a non-profitable, albeit charming decoration. Ranevskaya and Gaev, no longer young people, lead an absent-minded, carefree life typical of idle aristocrats. Preoccupied only with her feminine passions, Ranevskaya leaves for France with her lover, who soon robs her completely there. Management of the estate falls on the adopted daughter of Lyubov Andreevna, 24-year-old Varya. She tries to save on everything, but the estate is still mired in unpayable debts. [Cm. full text of “The Cherry Orchard” on our website.]
Act 1 of “The Cherry Orchard” begins with the scene of Ranevskaya, who had gone bankrupt abroad, returning to her home on a May morning. Her youngest daughter, 17-year-old Anya, who has lived with her mother in France for the last few months, also comes with her. Lyubov Andreevna is met on the estate by acquaintances and servants: the rich merchant Ermolai Lopakhin (the son of a former serf), the neighbor-landowner Simeonov-Pishchik, the elderly footman Firs, the frivolous maid Dunyasha and the “eternal student” Petya Trofimov, in love with Anya. The scene of Ranevskaya’s meeting (like all other scenes of “The Cherry Orchard”) is not particularly rich in action, but Chekhov, with extraordinary skill, reveals in her dialogues the characteristics of the characters in the play.
The businesslike merchant Lopakhin reminds Ranevskaya and Gaev that in three months, in August, their estate will be put up for auction for an outstanding debt. There is only one way to prevent its sale and the ruin of the owners: to cut down the cherry orchard and turn over the vacated land for dachas. If Ranevskaya and Gaev do not do this, the garden will almost inevitably be cut down by the new owner, so it will not be possible to save it in any case. However, the weak-willed Gaev and Ranevskaya reject Lopakhin’s plan, not wanting to lose the dear memories of their youth along with the garden. Those who like to have their head in the clouds, they shy away from destroying the garden with their own hands, hoping for some miracle that will help them out in unknown ways.
Chekhov “The Cherry Orchard”, act 1 – summary full text of act 1.
"The Cherry Orchard". Performance based on the play by A. P. Chekhov, 1983
Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard", act 2 - briefly
A few weeks after Ranevskaya’s return, most of the same characters gather in a field, on a bench near an old abandoned chapel. Lopakhin again reminds Ranevskaya and Gaev that the deadline for selling the estate is approaching - and again invites them to cut down the cherry orchard, giving the land for dachas.
However, Gaev and Ranevskaya answer him inappropriately and absent-mindedly. Lyubov Andreevna says that “dacha owners are vulgar,” and Leonid Andreevich relies on a rich aunt in Yaroslavl, from whom he can ask for money - but hardly more than a tenth of what is needed to pay off his debts. Ranevskaya's thoughts are all in France, from where the scammer-lover sends her telegrams every day. Shocked by the words of Gaev and Ranevskaya, Lopakhin in his hearts calls them “frivolous and strange” people who do not want to save themselves.
After everyone else leaves, Petya Trofimov and Anya remain at the bench. Untidy Petya, who is constantly expelled from the university, so that he cannot complete the course for many years, crumbles in front of Anya in pompous tirades about the need to rise above everything material, above even love itself, and through tireless work to go towards some (incomprehensible) ideal. The existence and appearance of commoner Trofimov is very different from the lifestyle and habits of the nobles Ranevskaya and Gaev. However, in Chekhov's portrayal, Petya appears to be just as impractical a dreamer, just as worthless a person as those two. Petya's sermon is enthusiastically listened to by Anya, who is very reminiscent of her mother in her tendency to get carried away by any emptiness in a beautiful wrapper.
For more details, see the separate article Chekhov “The Cherry Orchard”, act 2 – summary. You can read the full text of Act 2 on our website.
Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard", act 3 - briefly
In August, on the very day of bidding for the estate with the cherry orchard, Ranevskaya, on a strange whim, hosts a noisy party with an invited Jewish orchestra. Everyone is tensely awaiting news from the auction, where Lopakhin and Gaev have gone, but, wanting to hide their excitement, they try to dance cheerfully and joke. Petya Trofimov venomously criticizes Varya for wanting to become the wife of the predatory rich man Lopakhin, and Ranevskaya for having a love affair with an obvious swindler and unwillingness to face the truth. Ranevskaya accuses Petya of the fact that all his bold, idealistic theories are based only on a lack of experience and ignorance of life. At 27 years old, he does not have a mistress, preaches work, and he himself cannot even graduate from university. Frustrated, Trofimov runs away almost in hysterics.
Pre-revolutionary poster for the play based on Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard”
Lopakhin and Gaev return from the auction. Gaev walks away, wiping away his tears. Lopakhin, at first trying to restrain himself, and then with increasing triumph, says that he bought the estate and the cherry orchard - the son of a former serf, who was previously not even allowed into the kitchen here. The dancing stops. Ranevskaya cries, sitting down on a chair. Anya tries to console her with the words that they have beautiful souls instead of a garden, and now they will begin a new, pure life.
For more details, see the separate article Chekhov “The Cherry Orchard”, act 3 – summary. You can read the full text of Act 3 on our website.
Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard", act 4 - briefly
In October, the old owners leave their former estate, where the tactless Lopakhin, without waiting for their departure, already orders the cutting down of the cherry orchard.
A rich Yaroslavl aunt sent Gaev and Ranevskaya some money. Ranevskaya takes them all for herself and again goes to France to visit her old lover, leaving her daughters in Russia without funds. Varya, whom Lopakhin never marries, has to go as a housekeeper to another estate, and Anya will take the exam for the gymnasium course and look for work.
Gaev was offered a place at the bank, but everyone doubts that, due to his laziness, he will sit there for a long time. Petya Trofimov returns to Moscow to study late. Imagining himself as a “strong and proud” person, he intends in the future to “reach the ideal or show others the way to it.” However, Petya is greatly worried about the loss of his old galoshes: without them, he has nothing to set off on. Lopakhin goes to Kharkov to immerse himself in work.
Having said goodbye, everyone leaves the house and locks it. The 87-year-old footman Firs, forgotten by his owners, finally appears on the stage. Muttering something about his past life, this sick old man lies down on the sofa and falls silent into motionlessness. In the distance there is a sad, dying sound, similar to the breaking of a string - as if something in life has gone away without return. The ensuing silence is broken only by the knocking of an ax on a cherry tree in the garden.
For more details, see the separate article Chekhov “The Cherry Orchard”, act 4 – summary. On our website you can read and
On our website) take place in an old noble estate, which belongs to Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya. The estate is located not far from a big city. Its main attraction is a huge cherry orchard, occupying almost a thousand acres. Once upon a time, this garden was considered one of the most wonderful places in the province and brought great income to the owners. There is even a mention of it in the Encyclopedic Dictionary. But after the fall of serfdom, the economy on the estate fell into disarray. There is no longer a demand for cherries, which are born only once every two years. Ranevskaya and her brother, Leonid Andreevich Gaev, who lives here on the estate, are on the verge of ruin.
Act 1 of The Cherry Orchard takes place on a cold May morning. Ranevskaya and her daughter Anya return from France. On the estate, where the cherries have already bloomed, her eldest (adopted) daughter Varya (24 years old), who manages the farm in her mother’s absence, and the merchant Ermolai Lopakhin, the son of a serf, a tenacious man who has become very rich in recent years, are waiting for her.
Lyubov Andreevna and Anya arrive from the railway station, accompanied by Gaev and their neighbor-landowner Simeonov-Pishchik, who met them. The arrival is accompanied by a lively conversation, which well outlines the characters of all the characters in this Chekhov play.
"The Cherry Orchard". Performance based on the play by A. P. Chekhov, 1983
Ranevskaya and Gaev are typical inactive aristocrats, accustomed to living on a grand scale without difficulty. Lyubov Andreevna thinks only about her love passions. Six years ago her husband died, and a month later her boy-son Grisha drowned in the river. Having taken most of the estate's funds, Ranevskaya left to console herself in France with her lover, who shamelessly deceived and robbed her. She abandoned her daughters on the estate with almost no money. 17-year-old Anya came to visit her mother in Paris only a few months ago. Foster Vara had to manage the income-free estate herself, saving on everything and running into debt. Ranevskaya returned to Russia only because she was left abroad completely penniless. The lover squeezed everything he could out of her, forced her to sell even her dacha near Menton, and he himself remained in Paris.
In the dialogues of the first act, Ranevskaya appears as a woman, exaggeratedly sensitive and vulnerable. She loves to show kindness and give generous tips to footmen. However, in her random words and gestures, spiritual callousness and indifference to loved ones creep in every now and then.
Matching Ranevskaya and her brother, Gaev. The main interest of his life is billiards - he constantly sprinkles billiard terms. Leonid Andreevich loves to make pompous speeches about the “bright ideals of goodness and justice”, about “social self-awareness” and “fruitful work”, but, as you can understand, he himself does not serve anywhere and does not even help young Varya manage the estate. The need to save every penny makes Varya stingy, preoccupied beyond her age, and like a nun. She expresses a desire to give up everything and go wandering through the splendor of holy places, but with such piety she feeds her old servants with only peas. Varya’s younger sister, Anya, is very reminiscent of her mother in her penchant for enthusiastic dreams and isolation from life. A family friend, Simeonov-Pishchik, is a bankrupt landowner like Ranevskaya and Gaev. He is only looking for a place to borrow money.
The peasant, poorly educated, but businesslike merchant Lopakhin reminds Ranevskaya and Gaev that their estate will be sold in August for debts. He also offers a way out. The estate is located next to a big city and a railway, so its land can be rented out profitably to summer residents for 25 thousand in annual income. This will not only allow you to pay off your debt, but also make a greater profit. However, the famous cherry orchard will have to be cut down.
Gaev and Ranevskaya reject such a plan with horror, not wanting to lose the dear memories of their youth. But they are unable to come up with anything else. Without cutting down, the estate will inevitably pass to another owner - and the cherry orchard will still be destroyed. However, the indecisive Gaev and Ranevskaya shy away from destroying him with their own hands, hoping for some miracle that will help them out in unknown ways.
Several other characters also participate in the dialogues of the first act: the unlucky clerk Epikhodov, with whom minor misfortunes constantly occur; the maid Dunyasha, who from constant communication with bars herself has become sensitive, like a noblewoman; 87-year-old footman Gaeva Firs, devoted to his master like a dog and refusing to leave him after the abolition of serfdom; Ranevskaya's footman Yasha, a stupid and boorish young commoner, who, however, was imbued with contempt in France for the “ignorant and wild” Russia; superficial foreigner Charlotte Ivanovna, a former circus performer, and now Anya’s governess. The former teacher of Ranevskaya’s drowned son, the “eternal student” Petya Trofimov, also appears for the first time. The character of this remarkable character will be outlined in detail in the following acts of The Cherry Orchard.
Publications in the Literature section
How to read "The Cherry Orchard"
In October 1903, Anton Chekhov completed work on the play The Cherry Orchard. Director Konstantin Stanislavsky, who was the first to stage the play at the Moscow Art Theater, admitted: “Its [play’s] charm lies in its elusive, deeply hidden aroma. To feel it, you have to open the bud of a flower and make its petals bloom.” And to this day “The Cherry Orchard” remains one of the most controversial works of Russian literature. Irina Sukhova, a researcher at the department of the State Museum of the History of Russian Literature named after V.I., told the Kultura.RF portal about what details you need to pay attention to in order to truly understand the play. Dahl "House-Museum of A.P. Chekhov".
Victor Borisov-Musatov. Spring (fragment). 1898-1901. State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg
Krnstantin Korovin. At the tea table (fragment). 1888. State Memorial Historical, Artistic and Natural Museum-Reserve V.D. Polenova, Tula region
Claude Monet. Woman in the garden (fragment). 1876. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Read the educational series dedicated to the work of Anton Chekhov in the GMIRLI project named after V.I. Dahl "Literary Express".
Interviewed by Ekaterina Tarasova
Comedy in 4 acts
Characters
Ranevskaya Lyubov Andreevna, landowner. Anya, her daughter, 17 years old. Varya, her adopted daughter, 24 years old. Gaev Leonid Andreevich, brother of Ranevskaya. Lopakhin Ermolai Alekseevich, merchant. Trofimov Petr Sergeevich, student. Simeonov-Pishchik Boris Borisovich, landowner. Charlotte Ivanovna, governess. Epikhodov Semyon Panteleevich, clerk. Dunyasha, maid. Firs, footman, old man 87 years old. Yasha, a young footman. Passerby. Station Manager. Postal official. Guests, servants.The action takes place on the estate of L.A. Ranevskaya.
Act one
A room that is still called a nursery. One of the doors leads to Anya's room. Dawn, the sun will rise soon. It’s already May, the cherry trees are blooming, but it’s cold in the garden, it’s morning. The windows in the room are closed.
Dunyasha enters with a candle and Lopakhin with a book in his hand.
Lopakhin. The train came, thank God. What time is it now? Dunyasha. Soon it's two. (Puts out the candle.) It’s already light. Lopakhin. How late was the train? For at least two hours. (Yawns and stretches.) I'm good, what a fool I've been! I came here on purpose to meet him at the station, and suddenly overslept... I fell asleep while sitting. It's a shame... I wish you could wake me up. Dunyasha. I thought you left. (Listens.) Looks like they're already on their way. Lopakhin (listens). No... Get your luggage, this and that...Lyubov Andreevna lived abroad for five years, I don’t know what she’s become now... She’s a good person. An easy, simple person. I remember when I was a boy of about fifteen, my late father - he was selling in a shop here in the village - hit me in the face with his fist, blood came out of my nose... Then we came together to the yard for some reason, and he was drunk. Lyubov Andreevna, as I remember now, still young, so thin, led me to the washstand, in this very room, in the nursery. “Don’t cry, he says, little man, he’ll heal before the wedding...”
A peasant... My father, it’s true, was a peasant, but here I am in a white vest and yellow shoes. With a pig's snout in a Kalash row... Just now he's rich, a lot of money, but if you think about it and figure it out, then the man is a man... (Flips through the book.) I read the book and didn’t understand anything. I read and fell asleep.
Dunyasha. And the dogs didn’t sleep all night, they sense that their owners are coming. Lopakhin. What are you, Dunyasha, so... Dunyasha. Hands are shaking. I'll faint. Lopakhin. You are very gentle, Dunyasha. And you dress like a young lady, and so does your hairstyle. You can not do it this way. We must remember ourselves.Epikhodov enters with a bouquet; he is wearing a jacket and brightly polished boots that squeak loudly; upon entering, he drops the bouquet.
Epikhodov (raises the bouquet). So the Gardener sent it, he says, to put it in the dining room. (Gives Dunyasha a bouquet.) Lopakhin. And bring me some kvass. Dunyasha. I'm listening. (Leaves.) Epikhodov. It's morning, the frost is three degrees, and the cherry trees are all in bloom. I cannot approve of our climate. (Sighs.) I can’t. Our climate may not be conducive just right. Here, Ermolai Alekseich, let me add to you, I bought myself boots the day before, and they, I dare to assure you, squeak so much that there is no way. What should I lubricate it with? Lopakhin. Leave me alone. Tired of it. Epikhodov. Every day some misfortune happens to me. And I don’t complain, I’m used to it and even smile.Dunyasha comes in and gives Lopakhin kvass.
I will go. (Bumps into a chair, which falls.) Here... (As if triumphant.) You see, excuse the expression, what a circumstance, by the way... This is simply wonderful! (Leaves.)
Dunyasha. And to me, Ermolai Alekseich, I must admit, Epikhodov made an offer. Lopakhin. A! Dunyasha. I don’t know how... He’s a quiet man, but sometimes when he starts talking, you won’t understand anything. It’s both good and sensitive, just incomprehensible. I kind of like him. He loves me madly. He is an unhappy person, something happens every day. They tease him like that: twenty-two misfortunes... Lopakhin (listens). Looks like they're coming... Dunyasha. They're coming! What's wrong with me... I'm completely cold. Lopakhin. They really are going. Let's go meet. Will she recognize me? We haven't seen each other for five years. Dunyasha (excited). I'm going to fall... Oh, I'm going to fall!You can hear two carriages approaching the house. Lopakhin and Dunyasha quickly leave. The stage is empty. There is noise in the neighboring rooms. Firs, who had gone to meet Lyubov Andreevna, hurriedly passes across the stage, leaning on a stick; he is in an old livery and a tall hat; He says something to himself, but not a single word can be heard. The noise behind the stage is getting louder and louder. Voice: “Let’s go here...” Lyubov Andreevna, Anya and Charlotte Ivanovna with a dog on a chain, dressed for travel. Varya in a coat and scarf, Gaev, Simeonov-Pishchik, Lopakhin, Dunyasha with a bundle and an umbrella, a servant with things - everyone is walking through the room.
Anya. Let's go here. Do you, mom, remember which room this is? Lyubov Andreevna (joyfully, through tears). Children's! Varya . It's so cold, my hands are numb. (To Lyubov Andreevna.) Your rooms, white and purple, remain the same, mommy. Lyubov Andreevna. Children's room, my dear, beautiful room... I slept here when I was little... (Crying.) And now I'm like a little girl... (Kisses his brother, Varya, then his brother again.) But Varya is still the same, she looks like a nun. And I recognized Dunyasha... (Kisses Dunyasha.) Gaev. The train was two hours late. What's it like? What are the procedures? Charlotte (to Pishchik). My dog also eats nuts. Pishchik (surprised). Just think!Everyone leaves except Anya and Dunyasha.
Dunyasha. We're tired of waiting... (Takes off Anya’s coat and hat.) Anya. I didn’t sleep on the road for four nights... now I’m very cold. Dunyasha. You left during Lent, then there was snow, there was frost, but now? My darling! (Laughs, kisses her.) I've been waiting for you, my sweet little light... I'll tell you now, I can't stand it for one minute... Anya (sluggishly). Something again... Dunyasha. The clerk Epikhodov proposed to me after the Saint. Anya. You're all about one thing... (Straightens her hair.) I lost all my pins... (She is very tired, even staggering.) Dunyasha. I don't know what to think. He loves me, he loves me so much! Anya (looks at his door, tenderly). My room, my windows, as if I never left. I'm home! Tomorrow morning I’ll get up and run to the garden... Oh, if only I could sleep! I didn’t sleep the whole way, I was tormented by anxiety. Dunyasha. On the third day Pyotr Sergeich arrived. Anya (joyfully). Peter! Dunyasha. They sleep in the bathhouse and live there. I'm afraid, they say, to embarrass me. (Looking at his pocket watch.) We should have woken them up, but Varvara Mikhailovna didn’t order it. You, he says, don’t wake him up.Varya enters, she has a bunch of keys on her belt.
Varya . Dunyasha, coffee quickly... Mommy asks for coffee. Dunyasha. Just a minute. (Leaves.) Varya . Well, thank God, we've arrived. You're home again. (Caresing.) My darling has arrived! The beauty has arrived! Anya. I've suffered enough. Varya . I'm imagining! Anya. I left during Holy Week, it was cold then. Charlotte talks the whole way, performing tricks. And why did you force Charlotte on me... Varya . You can’t go alone, darling. At seventeen! Anya. We arrive in Paris, it’s cold and snowy. I speak French badly. Mom lives on the fifth floor, I come to her, she has some French ladies, an old priest with a book, and it’s smoky, uncomfortable. I suddenly felt sorry for my mother, so sorry, I hugged her head, squeezed her with my hands and couldn’t let go. Mom then kept caressing and crying... Varya (through tears). Don't talk, don't talk... Anya. She had already sold her dacha near Menton, she had nothing left, nothing. I also didn’t have a penny left, we barely got there. And mom doesn't understand! We sit down at the station for lunch, and she demands the most expensive thing and gives the footmen a ruble each as a tip. Charlotte too. Yasha also demands a portion for himself, it’s just terrible. After all, mom has a footman, Yasha, we brought him here... Varya . I saw a scoundrel. Anya. Well, how? Did you pay interest? Varya . Where exactly. Anya. My God, my God... Varya . The estate will be sold in August... Anya. My God... Lopakhin (looks through the door and hums). Me-e-e... (Leaves.) Varya (through tears). That's how I would give it to him... (Shakes his fist.) Anya (hugs Varya, quietly). Varya, did he propose? (Varya shakes her head negatively.) After all, he loves you... Why don’t you explain what you’re waiting for? Varya . I don't think anything will work out for us. He has a lot to do, he has no time for me... and he doesn’t pay attention. God be with him, it’s hard for me to see him... Everyone talks about our wedding, everyone congratulates, but in reality there is nothing, everything is like a dream... (In a different tone.) Your brooch looks like a bee. Anya (sad). Mom bought this. (He goes to his room, speaks cheerfully, like a child.) And in Paris I flew in a hot air balloon! Varya . My darling has arrived! The beauty has arrived!Dunyasha has already returned with a coffee pot and is making coffee.
(Stands near the door.) I, my dear, spend the whole day doing housework and still dreaming. I would marry you off to a rich man, and then I would be at peace, I would go to the desert, then to Kyiv... to Moscow, and so on I would go to holy places... I would go and go. Splendor!.. Anya. Birds sing in the garden. What time is it now? Varya . It must be the third one. It's time for you to sleep, darling. (Entering Anya’s room.) Splendor!Yasha comes in with a blanket and a travel bag.
Yasha (walks across the stage, delicately). Can I go here, sir? Dunyasha. And you won’t recognize you, Yasha. What have you become abroad? Yasha. Hm... Who are you? Dunyasha. When you left here, I was like... (Points from the floor.) Dunyasha, Fedora Kozoedov's daughter. You do not remember! Yasha. Hm... Cucumber! (Looks around and hugs her; she screams and drops the saucer. Yasha quickly leaves.) Varya (at the door, in a dissatisfied voice). What else is there? Dunyasha (through tears). I broke the saucer... Varya . This is good. Anya (leaving his room). I should warn my mother: Petya is here... Varya . I ordered him not to wake him. Anya (thoughtfully.) Six years ago my father died, a month later my brother Grisha, a pretty seven-year-old boy, drowned in the river. Mom couldn’t bear it, she left, left, without looking back... (Shudders.) How I understand her, if only she knew!And Petya Trofimov was Grisha’s teacher, he can remind you...
Firs enters; he is wearing a jacket and a white vest.
Firs (goes to the coffee pot, worried). The lady will eat here... (Puts on white gloves.) Is your coffee ready? (Strictly to Dunyasha.) You! What about cream? Dunyasha. Oh, my God... (Quickly leaves.) Firs (busts around the coffee pot). Eh, you klutz... (Mumbling to himself.) We came from Paris... And the master once went to Paris... on horseback... (Laughs.) Varya . Firs, what are you talking about? Firs. What do you want? (Joyfully.) My lady has arrived! Waited for it! Now at least die... (Cries with joy.)Enter Lyubov Andreevna, Gaev, Lopakhin and Simeonov-Pishchik; Simeonov-Pishchik in a thin cloth undershirt and trousers. Gaev, entering, makes movements with his arms and body, as if playing billiards.
Lyubov Andreevna. Like this? Let me remember... Yellow in the corner! Doublet in the middle! Gaev. I'm cutting into the corner! Once upon a time, you and I, sister, slept in this very room, and now I am already fifty-one years old, oddly enough... Lopakhin. Yes, time is ticking. Gaev. Whom? Lopakhin. Time, I say, is ticking. Gaev. And here it smells like patchouli. Anya. I'll go to bed. Good night, Mom. (Kisses mother.) Lyubov Andreevna. My beloved child. (Kisses her hands.) Are you glad you're home? I won't come to my senses. Anya. Goodbye, uncle. Gaev (kisses her face, hands). The Lord is with you. How similar you are to your mother! (To her sister.) You, Lyuba, were exactly like that at her age.Anya shakes hands with Lopakhin and Pishchik, leaves and closes the door behind her.
Lyubov Andreevna. She was very tired. Pischik. The road is probably long. Varya (Lopakhin and Pishchik). Well, gentlemen? It's the third hour, it's time to know the honor. Lyubov Andreevna(laughs). You are still the same, Varya. (Draws her to him and kisses her.) I'll have some coffee, then we'll all leave.Firs puts a pillow under her feet.
Thank you dear. I'm used to coffee. I drink it day and night. Thank you, my old man. (Kisses Firs.)
Varya . To see if all the things were brought... (Leaves.) Lyubov Andreevna. Is it really me sitting? (Laughs.) I want to jump and wave my arms. (Covers his face with his hands.) What if I'm dreaming! God knows, I love my homeland, I love it dearly, I couldn’t watch from the carriage, I kept crying. (Through tears.) However, you need to drink coffee. Thank you, Firs, thank you, my old man. I'm so glad you're still alive. Firs. Day before yesterday. Gaev. He doesn't hear well. Lopakhin. Now, at five o'clock in the morning, I have to go to Kharkov. Such a shame! I wanted to look at you, talk... You are still just as gorgeous. Pishchik (breathes heavily). Even prettier... Dressed like a Parisian... my cart is lost, all four wheels... Lopakhin. Your brother, Leonid Andreich, says about me that I’m a boor, I’m a kulak, but that doesn’t really matter to me. Let him talk. I only wish that you would still believe me, that your amazing, touching eyes would look at me as before. Merciful God! My father was a serf to your grandfather and father, but you, in fact, you once did so much for me that I forgot everything and love you like my own... more than my own. Lyubov Andreevna. I can't sit, I can't... (Jumps up and walks around in great excitement.) I won’t survive this joy... Laugh at me, I’m stupid... The closet is my dear... (Kisses the closet.) The table is mine. Gaev. And without you, the nanny died here. Lyubov Andreevna (sits down and drinks coffee). Yes, the kingdom of heaven. They wrote to me. Gaev. And Anastasius died. Parsley Kosoy left me and now lives in the city with the bailiff. (Takes a box of lollipops out of his pocket and sucks.) Pischik. My daughter, Dashenka... I bow to you... Lopakhin. I want to tell you something very pleasant and funny. (Looking at his watch.) I’m leaving now, I don’t have time to talk... well, I’ll say it in two or three words. You already know that your cherry orchard is being sold for debts, an auction is scheduled for August twenty-second, but don’t worry, my dear, sleep well, there is a way out... Here is my project. Attention please! Your estate is located only twenty miles from the city, there is a railway nearby, and if the cherry orchard and the land along the river are divided into summer cottages and then rented out as summer cottages, then you will have at least twenty-five thousand a year in income. Gaev. Sorry, what nonsense! Lyubov Andreevna. I don’t quite understand you, Ermolai Alekseich. Lopakhin. You will take from the summer residents the least amount of twenty-five rubles a year per tithe, and if you announce it now, then I guarantee anything, you will not have a single free scrap left until the fall, everything will be taken away. In a word, congratulations, you are saved. The location is wonderful, the river is deep. Only, of course, we need to clean it up, clean it up... for example, say, demolish all the old buildings, this house, which is no longer good for anything, cut down the old cherry orchard... Lyubov Andreevna. Cut it down? My dear, forgive me, you don’t understand anything. If there is anything interesting, even wonderful, in the entire province, it is only our cherry orchard. Lopakhin. The only remarkable thing about this garden is that it is very large. Cherries are born once every two years, and there’s nowhere to put them, no one buys them. Gaev. And the Encyclopedic Dictionary mentions this garden. Lopakhin (looking at his watch). If we don’t come up with anything and come to nothing, then on August 22 both the cherry orchard and the entire estate will be sold at auction. Make up your mind! There is no other way, I swear to you. No and no. Firs. In the old days, about forty to fifty years ago, cherries were dried, soaked, pickled, jam was made, and it used to be... Gaev. Shut up, Firs. Firs. And it used to be that dried cherries were sent by cartload to Moscow and Kharkov. There was money! And dried cherries then were soft, juicy, sweet, fragrant... They knew the method then... Lyubov Andreevna. Where is this method now? Firs. Forgot. Nobody remembers. Pischik (To Lyubov Andreevna). What's in Paris? How? Did you eat frogs? Lyubov Andreevna. Ate crocodiles. Pischik. Just think... Lopakhin. Until now, there were only gentlemen and peasants in the village, but now there are also summer residents. All cities, even the smallest ones, are now surrounded by dachas. And we can say that in twenty years the summer resident will multiply to an extraordinary extent. Now he only drinks tea on the balcony, but it may happen that on his one tithe he will start farming, and then your cherry orchard will become happy, rich, luxurious... Gaev (indignant). What nonsense!Varya and Yasha enter.
Varya . Here, mommy, there are two telegrams for you. (He selects a key and unlocks the antique cabinet with a jingle.) Here they are. Lyubov Andreevna. This is from Paris. (Tears up telegrams without reading.) It's over with Paris... Gaev. Do you know, Lyuba, how old this cabinet is? A week ago I pulled out the bottom drawer and looked and there were numbers burned into it. The cabinet was made exactly one hundred years ago. What's it like? A? We could celebrate the anniversary. An inanimate object, but still, after all, a bookcase. Pishchik (surprised). A hundred years... Just think!.. Gaev. Yes... This is a thing... (Having felt the closet.) Dear, respected closet! I greet your existence, which for more than a hundred years has been directed towards the bright ideals of goodness and justice; your silent call to fruitful work has not weakened for a hundred years, maintaining (through tears) in generations of our family vigor, faith in a better future and nurturing in us the ideals of goodness and social self-awareness. Lopakhin. Yes... Lyubov Andreevna. You are still the same, Lepya. Gaev (a little confused). From the ball to the right into the corner! I'm cutting it to medium! Lopakhin (looking at his watch). Well, I have to go. Yasha (gives Lyubov Andreevna medicine). Maybe you should take some pills now... Pischik. There is no need to take medications, dear... they do no harm or good... Give it here... dear. (Takes the pills, pours them into his palm, blows on them, puts them in his mouth, and washes them down with kvass.) Here! Lyubov Andreevna(scared). You're crazy! Pischik. I took all the pills. Lopakhin. What a mess.Everyone laughs.
Firs. They were with us on Holy Day, they ate half a bucket of cucumbers... (Mumbling.) Lyubov Andreevna. What is he talking about? Varya. He's been mumbling like this for three years now. We're used to it. Yasha. Advanced age.Charlotte Ivanovna in a white dress, very thin, tight-fitting, with a lorgnette on her belt, she walks across the stage.
Lopakhin. Sorry, Charlotte Ivanovna, I haven’t had time to say hello to you yet. (Wants to kiss her hand.) Charlotte (removing her hand). If I let you kiss my hand, you will then wish on the elbow, then on the shoulder... Lopakhin. I'm having no luck today.Everyone laughs.
Charlotte Ivanovna, show me the trick!
Lyubov Andreevna. Charlotte, show me a trick! Charlotte. No need. I want to sleep. (Leaves.) Lopakhin. See you in three weeks. (Kisses Lyubov Andreevna’s hand.) Goodbye for now. It's time. (To Gaev.) Goodbye. (Kisses Pishchik.) Goodbye. (Gives his hand to Varya, then to Firs and Yasha.) I don't want to leave. (To Lyubov Andreevna.) If you think about dachas and decide, then let me know, I’ll get you a loan of fifty thousand. Seriously think about it. Varya (angrily). Yes, finally leave! Lopakhin. I'm leaving, I'm leaving... (Leaves.) Gaev. Ham. However, sorry... Varya is marrying him, this is Varya’s groom. Varya . Don't say too much, uncle. Lyubov Andreevna. Well, Varya, I will be very glad. He is a good man. Pischik. Man, we must tell the truth... the most worthy... And my Dashenka... also says that... she says different words. (Snores, but wakes up immediately.) But still, dear lady, lend me... a loan of two hundred and forty rubles... pay the interest on the mortgage tomorrow... Varya (scared). No, no! Lyubov Andreevna. I really have nothing. Pischik. There will be some. (Laughs.) I never lose hope. Now, I think, everything is gone, I’m dead, and lo and behold, the railroad passed through my land, and... they paid me. And then, look, something else will happen not today or tomorrow... Dashenka will win two hundred thousand... she has a ticket. Lyubov Andreevna. The coffee is drunk, you can rest. Firs (cleans Gaeva with a brush, instructively). They put on the wrong pants again. And what should I do with you! Varya (quietly). Anya is sleeping. (Quietly opens the window.) The sun has already risen, it’s not cold. Look, mommy: what wonderful trees! My God, the air! The starlings are singing! Gaev (opens another window). The garden is all white. Have you forgotten, Lyuba? This long alley goes straight, like a stretched belt, it sparkles on moonlit nights. Do you remember? Have you forgotten? Lyubov Andreevna (looks out the window at the garden). Oh, my childhood, my purity! I slept in this nursery, looked at the garden from here, happiness woke up with me every morning, and then he was exactly the same, nothing has changed. (Laughs with joy.) All, all white! Oh my garden! After a dark, stormy autumn and cold winter, you are young again, full of happiness, the heavenly angels have not abandoned you... If only I could take the heavy stone off my chest and shoulders, if only I could forget my past! Gaev. Yes, and the garden will be sold for debts, oddly enough... Lyubov Andreevna. Look, the late mother is walking through the garden... in a white dress! (Laughs with joy.) That's her. Gaev. Where? Varya . The Lord is with you, mommy. Lyubov Andreevna. There is no one, it seemed to me. To the right, at the turn towards the gazebo, a white tree bent over, looking like a woman...Trofimov enters, wearing a worn student uniform and glasses.
What an amazing garden! White masses of flowers, blue sky...
Trofimov. Lyubov Andreevna!She looked back at him.
I will just bow to you and leave immediately. (Kisses his hand warmly.) I was ordered to wait until the morning, but I didn’t have enough patience...
Lyubov Andreevna looks in bewilderment.
Varya (through tears). This is Petya Trofimov... Trofimov. Petya Trofimov, your former teacher Grisha... Have I really changed that much?Lyubov Andreevna hugs him and quietly cries.
Gaev (embarrassed). Full, full, Lyuba. Varya (crying). I told you, Petya, to wait until tomorrow. Lyubov Andreevna. Grisha is my... my boy... Grisha... son... Varya . What should I do, mommy? God's will. Trofimov (softly, through tears). It will be, it will be... Lyubov Andreevna(cries quietly). The boy died, drowned... Why? For what, my friend? (Quietly.) Anya is sleeping there, and I’m talking loudly... making noise... What, Petya? Why are you so stupid? Why have you aged? Trofimov. One woman in the carriage called me this: shabby gentleman. Lyubov Andreevna. You were just a boy then, a cute student, but now you don’t have thick hair and glasses. Are you still a student? (Goes to the door.) Trofimov. I must be a perpetual student. Lyubov Andreevna (kisses his brother, then Varya). Well, go to sleep... You too have aged, Leonid. Pishchik (follows her). So, now go to bed... Oh, my gout. I’ll stay with you... I would like, Lyubov Andreevna, my soul, tomorrow morning... two hundred and forty rubles... Gaev. And this one is all his own. Pischik. Two hundred and forty rubles... to pay interest on the mortgage. Lyubov Andreevna. I have no money, my dear. Pischik. I'll give it back, honey... The amount is trivial... Lyubov Andreevna. Well, okay, Leonid will give... You give it, Leonid. Gaev. I'll give it to him, keep your pocket. Lyubov Andreevna. What to do, give it... He needs... He will give it.Lyubov Andreevna, Trofimov, Pischik and Firs leave. Gaev, Varya and Yasha remain.
Gaev. My sister has not yet gotten over the habit of wasting money. (To Yasha.) Move away, my dear, you smell like chicken. Yasha (with a grin). And you, Leonid Andreich, are still the same as you were. Gaev. Whom? (Vara.) What did he say? Varya (Yasha). Your mother came from the village, has been sitting in the common room since yesterday, wants to see you... Yasha. God be with her! Varya . Ah, shameless! Yasha. Very necessary. I could come tomorrow. (Leaves.) Varya . Mommy is the same as she was, hasn’t changed at all. If she had her way, she would give everything away. Gaev. Yes...If a lot of remedies are offered against a disease, this means that the disease is incurable. I think, I’m racking my brains, I have a lot of money, a lot, and that means, in essence, none. It would be nice to receive an inheritance from someone, it would be nice to marry our Anya to a very rich man, it would be nice to go to Yaroslavl and try his luck with the aunt countess. My aunt is very, very rich.
Varya (crying). If only God would help. Gaev. Do not Cry. My aunt is very rich, but she doesn’t love us. My sister, firstly, married a lawyer, not a nobleman...Anya appears at the door.
She married a non-nobleman and behaved in a manner that cannot be said to be very virtuous. She is good, kind, nice, I love her very much, but no matter how you come up with mitigating circumstances, I still have to admit that she is vicious. This is felt in her slightest movement.
Varya (whispers). Anya is standing at the door. Gaev. Whom?Surprisingly, something got into my right eye... I couldn’t see well. And on Thursday, when I was in district court...
Anya enters.
Varya . Why aren't you sleeping, Anya? Anya. Can't sleep. I can not. Gaev. My baby. (Kisses Anya’s face and hands.) My child... (Through tears.) You are not a niece, you are my angel, you are everything to me. Believe me, believe... Anya. I believe you, uncle. Everyone loves and respects you... but, dear uncle, you need to be silent, just silent. What did you just say about my mother, about your sister? Why did you say this? Gaev. Yes Yes... (She covers her face with her hand.) Indeed, this is terrible! My God! God save me! And today I gave a speech in front of the closet... so stupid! And only when I finished did I realize that it was stupid. Varya . Really, uncle, you should be silent. Keep quiet, that's all. Anya. If you remain silent, then you yourself will be calmer. Gaev. I'm silent. (Kisses Anya and Varya’s hands.) I'm silent. Just about the matter. On Thursday I was in the district court, well, the company got together, a conversation began about this and that, fifth and tenth, and it seems that it will be possible to arrange a loan against bills to pay interest to the bank. Varya . If only God would help! Gaev. I'll go on Tuesday and talk again. (Vara.) Don’t cry. (Not.) Your mother will talk to Lopakhin; he, of course, will not refuse her... And when you have rested, you will go to Yaroslavl to see the countess, your grandmother. This is how we will act from three ends and our job is in the bag. We'll pay the interest, I'm sure... (Puts a lollipop in his mouth.) On my honor, I swear whatever you want, the estate will not be sold! (Excitedly.) I swear on my happiness! Here's my hand to you, then call me a crappy, dishonest person if I allow it to the auction! I swear with all my being! Anya (the calm mood has returned to her, she is happy). How good you are, uncle, how smart! (Hugs uncle.) I'm at peace now! I'm at peace! I'm happy!Firs enters.
Firs (reproachfully). Leonid Andreich, you are not afraid of God! When should you sleep? Gaev. Now. You go away, Firs. So be it, I’ll undress myself. Well, kids, bye-bye... Details tomorrow, now go to bed. (Kisses Anya and Varya.) I am a man of the eighties... They don’t praise this time, but I can still say that I got a lot in my life for my beliefs. No wonder the man loves me. You need to know the guy! You need to know which... Anya. You again, uncle! Varya . You, uncle, remain silent. Firs (angrily). Leonid Andreich! Gaev. I'm coming, I'm coming... Lie down. From two sides to the middle! I put clean... (He leaves, followed by Firs.) Anya. I'm at peace now. I don’t want to go to Yaroslavl, I don’t like my grandmother, but I’m still at peace. Thanks uncle. (Sits down.) Varya . Need sleep. I'll go. And here without you there was displeasure. In the old servants' quarters, as you know, only old servants live: Efimyushka, Polya, Evstigney, and Karp. They began to let some rogues spend the night with them - I remained silent. Only now, I hear, they spread a rumor that I ordered them to be fed only peas. From stinginess, you see... And this is all Evstigney... Okay, I think. If so, I think, then wait. I call Evstigney... (Yawns.) He comes... What about you, I say, Evstigney... you are such a fool... (Looking at Anya.) Anya!..I fell asleep!.. (Takes Anya by the arm.) Let's go to bed... Let's go!.. (He leads her.) My darling has fallen asleep! Let's go to...
