Relevance of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

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The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov draws in a universal audience, as the play’s themes and characters are relatable to any time period. The characters face challenges and anxieties that were felt by people thousands of years ago and will continue to be felt by people far into the future. The Cherry Orchard encompasses and embodies characters and themes that are relevant to modern times such as social change, mid-life regrets, and hope that the next generation will go out into the world, make a difference, and create a better and more prosperous life for themselves.

Social change raced through Russia during this play, as “mankind is advancing, perfecting its powers.” (Chekhov 116) After feudalist Russia collapsed, members of the lower class became more motivated to increase their social standing. (Complex) Although it was a time of great joy and hope for the peasantry in Russia, this time period, roughly 1861-1917, was full of uncertainty. Russian peasants did not know how the government would support and defend their ability to grow higher in society. The Cherry Orchard reflects Russian peasants’ fears regarding these social changes. Lopakhin is the paragon (12) of a Russian peasant who rose from the ranks of peasantry to a successful businessman. (Simple) He notes, “I’m rich, plenty of money, but if you think it over and work it out, once a peasant, always a peasant.” (Chekhov 70-71), as he reminisces about his upbringing in the lower class. This way of thinking speaks for all the peasants in this time of social change; even if a peasant moved up in social standing, he or she would not forget or bury their past. Lopakhin remarks that at one time “my father was your [Lyubov] grandfather’s serf”, (Chekhov 85) which shows how muc...

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...rrying her to you” (Chekhov 159) as everyone is packing up and departing from the cherry orchard. Lopakhin could offer Varya many opportunities and provide her with a life of wealth, which Lyubov does not have anymore. The motherly and watchful role that Lyubov plays relates to anyone who has a nurturing role in his or her life. Throughout time, the mother’s need to provide and better her children’s lives makes Lyubov’s character a timeless and cross-cultural role.

The characters and themes in The Cherry Orchard are relevant in any time period. Social change, mid-life regrets, and hope for the future generation are challenges and anxieties that faced people in the past and will face people in the future. The Cherry Orchard is a relevant piece of literature that embodies and encompasses general views and ideas to which people in any time period can relate.

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