Uncle Vanya Character Analysis

Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya highlights series of complex relationships and emotional ordeal through the main characters. The presence of male characters plays a significant role in revealing some of the major themes of isolation and estrangement. Nonetheless, Chekhov emphasizes the role of women in this story as they are highlighted as subjects of vulnerability and loneliness. In the 19th century imperial Russian literature, many characters often face overwhelming emotional sufferings and alienation against the society. Through the lens of Yelena Andreyevna, this story allows the readers to focus a distinct perspective on women, especially as pitiful, hopeless characters. As Yelena centers around both male and female characters, it is essential to …show more content…
She not only appears in most conversations with the men, but also in Sonya’s presence as well. Yelena gets attention from both her physical appearance and her dull personality. From the perspectives of other characters, readers learn a lot about Yelena as both a wife and a woman in her society. In fact, characters such as Uncle Vanya, Astrov, Sonya, and even her husband seem to hold similar impressions on Yelena, which allows readers to look at her as a character who is constantly shaped by others’ perceptions. For example, Astrov makes bitter statements about Yelena by blatantly stating: “You’ve no aim in life, that you’ve nothing to occupy your mind, and that sooner or later your feelings will get the better of you – that’s inevitable” (601). This is an accurate illustration of Yelena’s external attitude, and it shows how judgments of others heavily reflect her personality. Although it is quite interesting that Astrov makes assumptions by stating “inevitable,” it demonstrates Yelena’s reality as her feelings of emptiness is so apparent in the eyes of others. She is seen as an unmotivated and a boring person who avoids true relationships. Furthermore, Uncle Vanya tells Yelena that “if you could only see your face, your movements! You’re too lazy to be alive! Too lazy!” (561). He attacks not only her physical appearance, but also her personality. Both men look at Yelena in similar ways because she is represented as a woman who goes against the norms of the society and fails to follow the traditional role of a woman. She is not an ordinary character who lives up to the societal values as a married woman. In fact, she portrays the characteristics of a failed marriage because she has no children nor true love to her husband. Her flawed portrayal characterizes Yelena as a lonely existence in her inner world. Yelena is constantly judged and