The attitude of Ranevskaya and Gaev to the cherry orchard. Representatives of the new generation

All characters in the play “The Cherry Orchard” they have great importance in the ideological and thematic context of the work. Even casually mentioned names carry meaning. For example, there are off-stage heroes (the Parisian lover, the Yaroslavl aunt), the very fact of whose existence already sheds light on the character and lifestyle of the hero, symbolizing an entire era. Therefore, in order to understand the author’s idea, it is necessary to analyze in detail those images that realize it.

Gaev Leonid Andreevich. To Lopakhin’s proposal regarding future “fate” cherry orchard reacts categorically negatively: “What nonsense.” He is worried about old things, a closet, he addresses them with his monologues, but he is completely indifferent to the fate of people, which is why the servant left him. Gaev’s speech testifies to the limitations of this man, who lives only by personal interests. If we talk about the current situation in the house, then Leonid Andreevich sees a way out in receiving an inheritance or Anya’s profitable marriage. Loving her sister, she accuses her of being vicious and not marrying a nobleman. He speaks a lot, without being embarrassed by the fact that no one listens to him. Lopakhin calls him a “woman” who talks only with her tongue, without doing anything.

Lopakhin Ermolai Alekseevich. You can “apply” the aphorism to him: from rags to riches. Soberly evaluates himself. Understands that money in life does not change a person’s social status. “A boor, a fist,” says Gaev about Lopakhin, but he doesn’t care what they think about him. He is not trained in good manners and cannot communicate normally with a girl, as evidenced by his attitude towards Varya. He constantly glances at his watch when communicating with Ranevskaya; he has no time to talk like a human being. The main thing is the upcoming deal. He knows how to “comfort” Ranevskaya: “The garden is sold, but you sleep peacefully.”

Trofimov Petr Sergeevich. Dressed in a worn student uniform, glasses, sparse hair, in five years the “dear boy” has changed a lot, he has become ugly. In his understanding, the purpose of life is to be free and happy, and for this you need to work. He believes that those who seek the truth must be helped. There are many problems in Russia that need to be solved, not philosophized. Trofimov himself does nothing; he cannot graduate from university. He pronounces beautiful and Clever words that are not supported by actions. Petya sympathizes with Anya and speaks of her as “my spring.” He sees in her a grateful and enthusiastic listener to his speeches.

Simeonov - Pischik Boris Borisovich. Landowner. Falls asleep while walking. All his thoughts are aimed only at how to get money. Even Petya, who compared him to a horse, replies that this is not bad, since a horse can always be sold.

Charlotte Ivanovna - governess. He doesn't know anything about himself. She has no relatives or friends. She grew up like a lonely stunted bush in a wasteland. She did not experience the feeling of love in childhood, did not see care from adults. Charlotte has become a person who cannot find people who understand her. But she can’t understand herself either. "Who am I? Why am I?" - this poor woman did not have a bright beacon in her life, a mentor, loving person, which would help find the right way and don't turn away from it.

Epikhodov Semyon Panteleevich works in an office. Considers himself developed person, but openly announces that he can’t decide whether he should “live” or “shoot himself.” Jonah. Epikhodov is pursued by spiders and cockroaches, as if they are trying to force him to turn around and look at the miserable existence that he has been dragging out for many years. Unrequitedly in love with Dunyasha.

Dunyasha - maid in Ranevskaya's house. Living with the gentlemen, I lost the habit of simple life. Does not know peasant labor. Afraid of everything. He falls in love with Yasha, not noticing that he is simply unable to share love with someone.

Firs. His whole life fits into “one line” - to serve the masters. The abolition of serfdom is evil for him. He is used to being a slave and cannot imagine any other life.

Yasha. An uneducated young footman dreaming of Paris. Dreams about rich life. Callousness is the main trait of his character; He even tries not to meet his mother, ashamed of her peasant origin.

Characteristics of heroes

Ranevskaya is a frivolous, spoiled and pampered woman, but people are drawn to her. The house seemed to open its time-bound doors again when she returned here after a five-year absence. She was able to warm him with her nostalgia. Comfort and warmth again “sounded” in every room, just as festive music sounds on holidays. This did not last long, as the days at home were numbered. In the nervous and tragic image of Ranevskaya, all the shortcomings of the nobility were expressed: its inability to be self-sufficient, lack of independence, spoiledness and tendency to evaluate everyone according to class prejudices, but at the same time, subtlety of feelings and education, spiritual wealth and generosity.
Anya. A heart beats in the chest of a young girl, waiting for sublime love and looking for certain life guidelines. She wants to trust someone, to test herself. Petya Trofimov becomes the embodiment of her ideals. She cannot yet look at things critically and blindly believes Trofimov’s “chatter,” presenting reality in a rosy light. Only she is alone. Anya does not yet realize the versatility of this world, although she is trying. She also does not hear those around her, does not see the real problems that have befallen the family. Chekhov had a presentiment that this girl was the future of Russia. But the question remained open: will she be able to change something or will she remain in her childhood dreams. After all, to change something, you need to act.
Gaev Leonid Andreevich. Spiritual blindness is characteristic of this mature person. He stayed there for a long time childhood for life. In conversation he constantly uses billiard terms out of place. His horizons are narrow. The fate of the family nest, as it turned out, does not bother him at all, although at the beginning of the drama he beat himself in the chest with his fist and publicly promised that The Cherry Orchard will live. But he is categorically incapable of doing business, like many nobles who are accustomed to living while others work for them.
Lopakhin buys Ranevskaya’s family estate, which is not a “bone of discord” between them. They do not consider each other enemies; humanistic relationships prevail between them. Lyubov Andreevna and Ermolai Alekseevich seem to want to get out of this situation as quickly as possible. The merchant even offers his help, but is refused. When everything ends well, Lopakhin is happy that he can finally get down to real business. We must give the hero his due, because it was he, the only one, who was concerned about the “fate” of the cherry orchard and found a way out that suited everyone.
Trofimov Petr Sergeevich. He is considered a young student, although he is already 27 years old. One gets the impression that being a student has become his profession, although outwardly he has turned into an old man. He is respected, but no one believes in his noble and life-affirming calls except Anya. It is a mistake to believe that the image of Petya Trofimov can be compared with the image of a revolutionary. Chekhov was never interested in politics, revolutionary movement was not part of his interests. Trofimov is too soft. His soul and intelligence will never allow him to cross the boundaries of what is permitted and jump into an unknown abyss. In addition, he is responsible for Anya, a young girl who does not know real life. She still has a rather delicate psyche. Any emotional shock can push her in the wrong direction, from where she can no longer be returned. Therefore, Petya must think not only about himself and the implementation of his ideas, but also about the fragile creature that Ranevskaya entrusted to him.

How does Chekhov relate to his heroes?

A.P. Chekhov loved his heroes, but he could not trust any of them with the future of Russia, not even Petya Trofimov and Anya, the progressive youth of that time.

The heroes of the play, sympathetic to the author, do not know how to defend their rights in life, they suffer or remain silent. Ranevskaya and Gaev suffer because they understand that they cannot change anything about themselves. Their social status goes into oblivion, and they are forced to eke out a miserable existence on the last proceeds. Lopakhin suffers because he realizes that he cannot help them. He himself is not happy about buying a cherry orchard. No matter how hard he tries, he still will not become its full owner. That is why he decides to cut down the garden and sell the land, so that he can later forget about it as a nightmare. What about Petya and Anya? Isn't it the author's hope in them? Perhaps, but these hopes are very vague. Trofimov, due to his character, is not capable of taking any radical actions. And without this the situation cannot be changed. He is limited to talking about a wonderful future and that’s it. And Anya? This girl has a slightly stronger core than Petra. But due to her young age and the uncertainty of life, changes should not be expected from her. Perhaps in the distant future, when she has arranged everything for herself life priorities, some action can be expected from her. In the meantime, she limits herself to believing in the best and sincere desire plant new garden.

Whose side is Chekhov on? He supports each side, but in his own way. In Ranevskaya, he appreciates genuine female kindness and naivety, albeit seasoned with spiritual emptiness. In Lopakhin, he appreciates the desire for compromise and poetic beauty, although he is not able to appreciate the real charm of the cherry orchard. The Cherry Orchard is a member of the family, but everyone unanimously forgets about this, while Lopakhin is not able to understand this at all.

The heroes of the play are separated by a huge abyss. They are not able to understand each other, since they are closed in the world of their own feelings, thoughts and experiences. However, everyone is lonely, they have no friends, like-minded people, no real love. Most people go with the flow, without setting any serious goals for themselves. Besides, they are all unhappy. Ranevskaya experiences disappointment in love, life and her social supremacy, which seemed unshakable just yesterday. Gaev once again discovers that aristocratic manners are not a guarantor of power and financial well-being. Before his eyes, yesterday's serf takes away his estate, becomes the owner there, even without the nobility. Anna is left penniless and has no dowry for a profitable marriage. Although her chosen one does not demand it, he has not yet earned anything. Trofimov understands that he needs to change, but does not know how, because he has neither connections, nor money, nor position to influence anything. They are left with only the hopes of youth, which are short-lived. Lopakhin is unhappy because he realizes his inferiority, belittles his dignity, seeing that he is no match for any gentlemen, even though he has more money.

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The image of the garden in the play "The Cherry Orchard" is ambiguous and complex. This is not just part of the estate of Ranevskaya and Gaev, as it might seem at first glance. This is not what Chekhov wrote about. The Cherry Orchard is a symbolic image. It signifies the beauty of Russian nature and the life of the people who raised it and admired it. Together with the death of the garden, this life also perishes.

A center that unites characters

The image of the garden in the play “The Cherry Orchard” is the center around which all the characters unite. At first it may seem that these are just old acquaintances and relatives who, by chance, gathered at the estate to solve everyday problems. However, it is not. It is no coincidence that Anton Pavlovich united characters representing various social groups and age categories. Their task is to decide the fate of not only the garden, but also their own.

Gaev and Ranevskaya’s connection with the estate

Ranevskaya and Gaev are Russian landowners who own an estate and a cherry orchard. This is brother and sister, they are sensitive, smart, educated people. They are able to appreciate beauty and feel it very subtly. That’s why the image of the cherry orchard is so dear to them. In the perception of the heroes of the play “The Cherry Orchard”, he personifies beauty. However, these characters are inert, which is why they cannot do anything to save what is dear to them. Ranevskaya and Gaev, for all their spiritual wealth and development, are devoid of responsibility, practicality and a sense of reality. Therefore, they cannot take care not only of loved ones, but also of themselves. These heroes do not want to listen to Lopakhin’s advice and rent out the land they own, although this would bring them a decent income. They think that dachas and summer residents are vulgar.

Why is the estate so dear to Gaev and Ranevskaya?

Gaev and Ranevskaya cannot rent out the land because of the feelings connecting them with the estate. They have special treatment to the garden, which is like a living person for them. Much connects these heroes with their estate. The Cherry Orchard seems to them to be the personification of bygone youth, past life. Ranevskaya compared her life with " cold winter" and "dark stormy autumn." When the landowner returned to the estate, she again felt happy and young.

Lopakhin's attitude to the cherry orchard

The image of the garden in the play “The Cherry Orchard” is also revealed in Lopakhin’s attitude towards it. This hero does not share the feelings of Ranevskaya and Gaev. He finds their behavior illogical and strange. This person is surprised why they do not want to listen to seemingly obvious arguments that will help find a way out of a difficult situation. It should be noted that Lopakhin is also capable of appreciating beauty. The cherry orchard delights this hero. He believes that there is nothing more beautiful in the world than him.

However, Lopakhin is a practical and active person. Unlike Ranevskaya and Gaev, he cannot just admire the cherry orchard and regret it. This hero strives to do something to save him. Lopakhin sincerely wants to help Ranevskaya and Gaev. He never ceases to convince them that they should rent out both the land and the cherry orchard. This must be done as soon as possible, since the auction will be soon. However, the landowners do not want to listen to him. Leonid Andreevich can only swear that the estate will never be sold. He says he won't allow the auction.

New owner of the garden

Nevertheless, the auction still took place. The owner of the estate is Lopakhin, who cannot believe his own happiness. After all, his father and grandfather worked here, “were slaves”, they weren’t even allowed into the kitchen. The purchase of an estate for Lopakhin becomes a kind of symbol of his success. This is a well-deserved reward for many years of work. The hero would like his grandfather and father to rise from the grave and be able to rejoice with him, to see how much their descendant has succeeded in life.

Negative qualities of Lopakhin

The cherry orchard for Lopakhin is just land. It can be bought, mortgaged or sold. This hero, in his joy, did not consider himself obliged to show a sense of tact towards the former owners of the purchased estate. Lopakhin immediately begins to cut down the garden. He didn't want to wait to leave former owners estates. The soulless lackey Yasha is somewhat similar to him. He completely lacks such qualities as attachment to the place in which he was born and raised, love for his mother, and kindness. In this respect, Yasha is the complete opposite of Firs, a servant who has unusually developed these feelings.

Relation to the garden of the servant Firs

In revealing it, it is necessary to say a few words about how Firs, the oldest of everyone in the house, treated him. Long years he served his masters faithfully. This man sincerely loves Gaev and Ranevskaya. He is ready to protect these heroes from all troubles. We can say that Firs is the only one of all the characters in The Cherry Orchard endowed with such a quality as devotion. This is a very integral nature, which is fully manifested in the servant’s attitude towards the garden. For Firs, the estate of Ranevskaya and Gaev is a family nest. He strives to protect it, as well as its inhabitants.

Representatives of the new generation

The image of the cherry orchard in the play “The Cherry Orchard” is dear only to those characters who have connections with it important memories. The representative of the new generation is Petya Trofimov. The fate of the garden does not interest him at all. Petya declares: “We are above love.” Thus, he admits that he is not capable of experiencing serious feelings. Trofimov looks at everything too superficially. He does not know real life, which he is trying to remake based on far-fetched ideas. Anya and Petya are outwardly happy. They thirst for a new life, for which they strive to break with the past. For these heroes, the garden is “all of Russia,” and not a specific cherry orchard. But is it possible to love the whole world, not loving your home? Petya and Anya are losing their roots in their quest for new horizons. Mutual understanding between Trofimov and Ranevskaya is impossible. For Petya there are no memories, no past, and Ranevskaya deeply experiences the loss of the estate, since she was born here, her ancestors also lived here, and she sincerely loves the estate.

Who will save the garden?

As we have already noted, it is a symbol of beauty. Only people who can not only appreciate it, but also fight for it can save it. Active and energetic people who replace the nobility treat beauty only as a source of profit. What will happen to her, who will save her?

The image of the cherry orchard in Chekhov's play "The Cherry Orchard" is a symbol of the home and the past, dear to the heart. Is it possible to boldly move forward if the sound of an ax is heard behind you, destroying everything that was previously sacred? It should be noted that the cherry orchard is and it is no coincidence that such expressions as “hitting a tree with an ax”, “trampling a flower” and “cutting off the roots” sound inhumane and blasphemous.

So, we briefly examined the image of the cherry orchard as understood by the characters in the play “The Cherry Orchard.” Reflecting on the actions and characters of the characters in Chekhov’s work, we also think about the fate of Russia. After all, it is a “cherry orchard” for all of us.

The image of a cherry orchard in the minds of the heroes of L. P. Chekhov’s play “The Cherry Orchard”

The Cherry Orchard unites all the characters in the play around itself. The writer connects the characters different ages And social groups, and they will have to decide one way or another the fate of the garden, and therefore their own fate.

The owners of the estate are Russian landowners Gaev and Ranevskaya. Both brother and sister are educated, smart, sensitive people. They know how to appreciate beauty, they feel it subtly, but due to inertia they cannot do anything to save it. Gaev and Ranevskaya are deprived of a sense of reality, practicality and responsibility, and therefore are unable to take care of themselves or their loved ones. They cannot follow Lopakhin’s advice and rent out the land, despite the fact that this would bring them a substantial income: “Dachas and summer residents - it’s so vulgar, sorry.” They are prevented from taking this measure by special feelings that connect them with the estate. They treat the garden as a living person with whom they have a lot in common. For them, the cherry orchard is the personification of a past life, a bygone youth. Looking out the window at the garden, Ranevskaya exclaims, “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 it was exactly the same, nothing has changed.” Returning to homestead, she again felt young and happy.

Lopakhin does not share the feelings of Gaev and Ranevskaya. Their behavior seems strange and illogical to him. He wonders why they are not influenced by the arguments for a prudent way out of a difficult situation, which are so obvious to him. Lopakhin knows how to appreciate beauty: he is delighted by the garden, “more beautiful than which there is nothing in the world.” But he is an active and practical person. He sincerely tries to help Gaev and Ranevskaya, constantly convincing them: “Both the cherry orchard and the land must be rented out for dachas, do this now, as soon as possible, the auction is just around the corner!” Understand! But they don't want to listen to him. Gaev is only capable of empty oaths: “On my honor, I swear whatever you want, the estate will not be sold!..”

However the auction took place, and Lopakhin bought the estate. For him this event has special meaning: “I bought an estate where my grandfather and father were slaves, where they were not even allowed into the kitchen. I’m dreaming, it’s only imagining it, it’s only seeming...” Thus, for Lopakhin, the purchase of the estate becomes a kind of symbol

his success, a reward for many years of work. For Lopakhin, a cherry orchard is just land that can be sold, mortgaged or bought. In his joy, he does not even consider it necessary to show a basic sense of tact towards the former owners of the estate. He begins to cut down the garden without even waiting for them to leave. In some ways, he is akin to the soulless lackey Yasha, who completely lacks such feelings as kindness, love for his mother, and attachment to the place where he was born and raised. In this he is the direct opposite of Firs, in whom these qualities are unusually developed. Firs is the most an old man in the house. He has faithfully served his masters for many years, sincerely loves them and, like a father, is ready to protect them from all troubles. Perhaps Firs is the only character in the play endowed with this quality - devotion. Firs is a very integral person, and this integrity is fully manifested in his attitude towards the garden. For an old footman, the garden is a family nest, which he strives to protect just like his masters.

Petya Trofimov is a representative of the new generation. He doesn't care about the fate of the cherry orchard at all. “We are above love,” he declares, thereby admitting his inability to have serious feelings. Petya looks at everything too superficially: not knowing real life, he tries to rebuild it on the basis of far-fetched ideas. Outwardly, Petya and Anya are happy. They want to move towards a new life, making a decisive break with the past. For them, the garden is “all of Russia,” and not just this cherry orchard. But is it possible to love the whole world without loving your home? Both heroes rush to new horizons, but lose their roots. Mutual understanding between Ranevskaya and Trofimov is impossible. If for Petya there is no past and memories, then Ranevskaya deeply grieves: “After all, I was born here, my father and mother, my grandfather lived here, I love this house, without the cherry orchard I don’t understand my life...”

The cherry orchard is a symbol of beauty. But who will save beauty if people who are able to appreciate it are unable to fight for it, and energetic and active people look at it only as a source of profit and profit?

The Cherry Orchard - symbol of good, and therefore such expressions as “cut off the roots”, “trample a flower” or “hit a tree with an ax” sound blasphemous and inhumane.

Reflecting on the characters and actions of the heroes of the play, we think about the fate of Russia, which is for us the very “cherry orchard”.

"is very multifaceted and ambiguous. The depth and imagery of the characters amaze with their uniqueness. No less surprising is the artistic burden placed on the landscape, thanks to which the play received its name. Chekhov's landscape is not only a background; the cherry orchard, in my opinion, represents one of the main characters.

The cherry orchard is secluded, quiet corner, dear to the heart of everyone who grew up and lives here. He is handsome, handsome with that calm, sweet, cozy beauty that so attracts a person to home. nature has always had an influence on the souls and hearts of people, if, of course, their soul is still alive and their heart has not hardened.

Heroes of “The Cherry Orchard” Ranevskaya, Gaev and everyone whose life for a long time was connected with the cherry orchard, they love it: the gentle, subtle beauty of the blossoming cherry trees left an indelible mark on their souls. The entire action of the play takes place against the backdrop of this garden. The Cherry Orchard is always invisibly present on the stage: they talk about its fate, they try to save it, they argue about it, they philosophize about it, they dream about it, they remember it.

“After all, I was born here,” says Ranevskaya, “my father and mother, my grandfather lived here, I love this house, I don’t understand my life without the cherry orchard, and if you really need to sell, then sell me along with the orchard. .."

For Ranevskaya and Gaev, the cherry orchard is an integral part of the family nest, small homeland, where they spent their childhood and youth, here they were born and died out best dreams and hope, the cherry orchard became a part of them. The sale of the cherry orchard symbolizes the end of their aimlessly lived life, from which only bitter memories remain. These people, who have subtle spiritual qualities, are well developed and educated, cannot preserve their cherry orchard, the best part own life,

Anya and Trofimov also grew up in the cherry orchard, but they are still very young, full of vitality and energy, so they leave the cherry orchard with ease and joy.

Another hero, Ermolai Lopakhin, looks at the garden from the point of view of “circulation of business.” He busily invites Ranevskaya and Gaev to break up the estate into summer cottages, and cut down the garden.

While reading the play, you begin to become imbued with the concerns of its characters and worry about the fate of the cherry orchard itself. The question inevitably arises: why is the cherry orchard dying? Was it really impossible to do at least something to save the garden, which is so dear to the characters in the work? Chekhov gives a direct answer to this: it is possible. The whole tragedy lies in the fact that the owners of the garden are not capable of this due to their character; they either live in the past, or are too frivolous and indifferent to the future.

Ranevskaya and Gaev worry not so much about the judge of the cherry orchard, but about their own unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. They talk much more about their experiences, but when the cherry orchard is resolved, they easily and quickly return to their usual way of life and their real concerns.

Anya and Trofimov are completely focused on the future, which seems bright and carefree to them. For them, the cherry orchard is an unwanted burden that must be gotten rid of in order to plant a new, progressive cherry orchard in the future.

Lopakhin perceives the cherry garden as an object of his business interests, an opportunity to conduct good deal, the fate of the garden itself does not bother him. For all his penchant for poetry, business and benefit come first for him.

So who is to blame for the loss of the cherry orchard? The answer is simple and categorical - all the characters are to blame. The inaction of some, the frivolity and indifference of others - this is the reason for the death of the garden. From the very beginning it is clear that in the image of a dying garden Chekhov brings out the old noble Russia and asks the reader the same question: who is to blame for the fact that the old society, the old way of life is becoming a thing of the past under the pressure of new ones business people? The answer is still the same - indifference and inaction of society.

/ / / The attitude of the play's heroes to the cherry orchard (Ranevskaya, Gaev, Firs, Anya, Lopakhin, Petya Trofimov)

Each character in Chekhov's play had an individual attitude towards the estate and the cherry orchard in particular. And if, sometimes, this feeling could hardly be called love, then it certainly was not indifference.

Each character in the play had his own story related to the garden. It was associated with childhood, serenity, purity, and an intoxicating aroma. For her, the garden is the meaning of life. The woman cannot imagine her life without him, and in the event of an auction, she says that the garden should be sold along with her.

But after the auction, the woman quickly comes to her senses and calmly accepts the loss. The author notes that in some way, she is even glad that everything is finally over. Perhaps this happens because she has money again, she has something to live on, and quite comfortably.

Just like his sister, he loves the garden very much. For a man, losing him means losing something dear and accepting complete defeat. He promises Lyubov that he will do everything to buy back the estate. The man is confident to the last that it is within his power. After the auction, Gaev is upset, does not comment on the “loss” and almost does not talk to anyone. The inspired Ermolai tells everything for him.

Buys the garden at auction. He literally “steals it from under the nose” of another merchant, throwing in ten thousand each time throughout the auction. As a result, the amount was very significant, which led to the unconditional victory of Ermolai. The man is rejoicing. His interest in the garden is significant. The business plan he drew up will bring him a lot of profit and the garden will more than pay for itself. However, the cherries will no longer please the eye; they are all immediately sent under the ax. This shows that Ermolai did not perceive the garden as something beautiful and unearthly. This place interests him only from the point of view of profit. The man believes that admiring the garden is a relic of the past. Moreover, it does not bring money, which means it is a waste of time for a pragmatic person.

For the old footman, the garden evokes memories of the former wealth of the masters. When the harvested cherries were dried according to a special recipe, they were exported for sale. It was not for nothing that he remembered this, since he believes that cherry trees should not only please the eye, but also generate income.

At first, for Ranevskaya’s daughter, like her mother, the garden initially evokes a storm of emotions. The girl is happy to be at home again and admire the beautiful flowers. However, after communicating with Peter, she radically changes her attitude towards the estate. The girl thinks about the utopia of serf life, about the remnants of the past.

When the cherry orchard is finally sold, Anya reassures her mother, promising her to plant a new orchard that will be many times better. The girl leaves with undisguised happiness the places where she spent her childhood.

A similar situation occurs with. He talks about the garden with undisguised contempt, boldly looks into the future and calmly leaves the estate, and this despite the fact that he remains practically homeless.

Each character in the story is shown through the image of a cherry orchard - their attitude to life itself. Some cling to the past, others worry about the future, and still others simply live in the present.