Historical Background of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

Historical Background of Cherry Orchard

 

The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov is a play that reflects the tumultuous period leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The play was written in 1903, just a few years before the revolution, and was performed for the first time in the same year. The play depicts the decline of an aristocratic family as they struggle to cope with their changing social and economic circumstances.

Chekhov himself was living in Russia at the time and was witnessing firsthand the growing discontent among the lower classes. He was also aware of the growing influence of Marxist ideology, which was challenging the traditional power structures in Russia. In The Cherry Orchard, Chekhov portrays the conflict between the aristocracy and the rising middle class, who are eager to take over the land and property of the former.

One of the most significant themes in the play is the fall of the aristocracy. The play opens with Lopakhin, a wealthy merchant, discussing the impending sale of the cherry orchard with the landowner, Lyubov Ranevskaya. Lopakhin represents the rising middle class, who have become wealthy through commerce and industry. Lyubov, on the other hand, is a member of the aristocracy who has fallen on hard times. She is deeply attached to her cherry orchard, which has been in her family for generations. However, she is unable to make the mortgage payments and is forced to sell the estate.

Another important theme in the play is the relationship between the past and the present. The cherry orchard represents the past, a way of life and a social structure that is no longer viable. However, the characters in the play are unable to let go of the past and embrace the future. This is seen in the character of Lyubov, who is nostalgic for the past and unable to adapt to the changing circumstances. She says, "Oh, my orchard, my orchard! How I loved it when I was a little girl, how beautiful it was then" (Act I).

The play also deals with the theme of social class. The characters are divided into two classes; the aristocracy and the rising middle class. The aristocracy, represented by Lyubov and her brother, Gaev, are wealthy but have fallen on hard times. They are unable to adapt to the changing economic circumstances and are forced to sell their property. On the other hand, the rising middle class, represented by Lopakhin, are ambitious and hardworking. They are eager to take over the land and property of the aristocracy. Lopakhin says, "The old "noble" way of life is gone...it's finished, and among the new men of our times there's not one who'll buy a cherry orchard" (Act III).

In conclusion, The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov is a play that reflects the historical background of the period leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The play deals with themes such as the fall of the aristocracy, the relationship between the past and the present, and social class. It is a poignant depiction of a society in transition and reflects Chekhov's concern with the social and economic changes of his time.

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