Change And Symbolism In Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard

In Anton Chekhov's 1904 play The Cherry Orchard, a Russian family who is used to a life of riches begin to experience the hardships of poverty. Due to an extreme amount of carelessness and selfishness, the mother of the estate Lyubov Andreevna Ranvskaya loses the funds that have been allowing her to keep her family in a comfortable position financially. Throughout the play, Chekhov uses many items to represent symbolism, such as the cherry orchard itself to represent the golden age of aristocracy. Without all of the symbolism and imagery throughout the play, Chekhov’s message would be lost. Chekhov’s message for The Cherry Orchard was to show how brutal change can be, but also how necessary change is, in order for the world to fully develop …show more content…
The cherry orchard is truly the most important and iconic symbol throughout the play. Not only is it the title of the play, but it is the symbol that is constantly referenced throughout the text, and it has an overwhelming amount of sentimental value to the aristocratic family. The estate has been with the family for decades. All the family has ever known is a life of wealth and comfortability. They have grown up watching the cherry trees blossom. Throughout the years the younger ones remember watching their older relatives use the cherries to create and sell preserves. The cherry orchard is a primary source of happiness and nostalgia for the family. Lyubov even says “once I slept in this very nursery, I’d look out on the orchard, right from here, and happiness would awaken with me…” (Chekhov 765.) The cherry orchard represents the past and the heritage of the family. Their past has provided them with riches and a happiness that only money can truly buy. Losing the cherry orchard and their home means losing their legacy. Once the cherry orchard is sold the lose all of the memories they have shared with their loved