Summary of cherry orchard parts. The Cherry Orchard

The great Russian writer was not only a great prose writer, but also an outstanding playwright. Chekhov's plays are still the basis of the classical repertoire of Russian and foreign drama theaters.

One of the brightest examples of this side of the talent of the classic of Russian literature is the play "The Cherry Orchard", summary which can be laid down in a few minutes, although on stage it lasts about three hours. The Cherry Orchard is quite interesting to read, but it is much more interesting to see the actors in the theater.

The play "The Cherry Orchard" is the last.

It is interesting! Chekhov wrote The Cherry Orchard in 1903 in Yalta, where, suffering from terminal tuberculosis, he lived out his days. And for the first time The Cherry Orchard was staged on the stage of the Moscow Art Academic Theater (MKhAT) the following year, which became the year of Anton Pavlovich's death.

The author himself attributed the work to the comedy genre, although in fact there is nothing funny in it. The plot of The Cherry Orchard is rather dramatic. Moreover, tragic notes can also be found in the content of the play, since we are talking about the ruin of an old noble family.

Time of action in the play "The Cherry Orchard" - late XIX- the beginning of the 20th century, when a change in socio-economic formations took place in Russia. Feudalism, which ended with the abolition of serfdom, was replaced by the capitalist system, and in the period described, capitalism had already fully come into its own.

The wealthy bourgeois - merchants and people from the peasantry - pressed the nobility on all fronts, many of whose representatives turned out to be completely unadapted to the new conditions, did not understand the meaning and causes of their occurrence. The severity of the situation described in the play, when the ruling noble class was gradually losing its economic and political influence peaked in the first decade of the new century.

The characters in The Cherry Orchard are members of the same noble family, once very wealthy, but now mired in debt and forced to sell their estate, as well as their servants. There is also a representative of the opposite side - the bourgeoisie.

Characters

The list of main characters in The Cherry Orchard includes:

1. Ranevskaya Lyubov Andreevna is the owner of the estate, a widow, an impressionable exalted lady, accustomed to the luxury of the past and not realizing the tragedy of her new position.
2. Anya is the native seventeen-year-old daughter of Ranevskaya. Despite her young age, the girl argues much more soberly than her mother, realizing that life will never be the same again.
3. Varya is the adopted twenty-four-year-old daughter of Ranevskaya. He tries to support the declining economy, voluntarily fulfilling the duties of a housekeeper.
4. Gaev Leonid Andreevich - Ranevskaya's brother, a playboy without specific occupations, whose favorite pastime is playing billiards. Constantly out of place inserts billiard words into speech. Prone to empty speeches and irresponsible promises. Views on life are similar to those of a sister.
5. Lopakhin Ermolai Alekseevich, whose father was once a serf with Ranevskaya's parents, is a man of the new time, a merchant. Lopakhin's business acumen helped him make a fortune. He tries to tell Ranevskaya how to save herself from ruin, offering ideas for making a profit from a collapsing estate, but does not forget about her own benefit. He is considered Varya's fiancé, but is in no hurry to propose.
6. Trofimov Petr is an eternal student, who was once the teacher of the deceased son of Ranevskaya Grisha.

There are several secondary characters, they can be presented in a brief description.

The first group consists of:

• Ranevskaya's neighbor on the estate of Simeonov-Pishchik, just like her, not getting out of debt;
• clerk Epikhodov - an unlucky man nicknamed "22 misfortunes";
• Ranevskaya's companion Charlotte Ivanovna is a former circus performer and governess, a woman "without family or tribe."

The second consists of servants: the maid Dunyasha and two lackeys - the old Firs, who still remembers serfdom, and the young Yasha, who considers himself an important person because he happened to go abroad with Ranevskaya.

Summary

Important! Plan of the play The Cherry Orchard» includes four actions. Its action summary can be read online.

Action 1

The arrival of the hostess from Paris is expected at the estate after a five-year absence. Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya left for France after her husband died from drinking, and then her little son died.

Finally, everyone is at home. The turmoil begins: the owners and servants pass through the rooms, carrying travel items. It seems to Ranevskaya that everything in her life has remained the same, but she is mistaken. The financial situation of the landowner has deteriorated greatly, there is a question of selling the family estate for debts at an auction along with a cherry orchard.

Anya complains to Varya that her mother does not realize the seriousness of her financial problems, continues to spend money without hesitation. For example, he agrees to lend to Pishchik, who has nothing to pay the interest on the mortgage.

Petya Trofimov enters, this reminds Ranevskaya of dead son. Lyubov Andreevna is crying, everyone is trying to calm her down. The landowner notices that Trofimov has changed a lot over the past 5 years - he has grown old and ugly.

To avoid financial ruin, Lopakhin advises building a huge garden around the dacha estate and renting them out. However, such a business proposal horrifies Lyubov Andreevna. Ermolai Alekseevich leaves. Everyone, one by one, goes to their rooms to go to bed.

Action 2

After the return of the hostess, time has passed, the sale of the estate is approaching, but no decisions have been made yet. Charlotte, the maid and footman Yasha are sitting on the bench. Epikhodov is standing, playing the guitar. Charlotte talks about her lonely life, then leaves the company. Epikhodov asks Dunyasha for a private conversation. Referring to the coolness, the girl sends him to the house for a cape, and she herself confesses her love to Yasha, who is clearly not inclined to reciprocity. Noticing that the gentlemen were coming, Dunyasha left.

Ranevskaya, Gaev and Lopakhin come up. Yermolai Alekseevich again talks about the cherry orchard, but Gaev pretends not to understand. Lopakhin is angry and wants to leave, Lyubov Andreevna keeps him, talking about her unhappy love. Then she says that Lopakhin needs to get married, and proposes Varya as a bride, but he gets off with general words.

Trofimov, Anya and Varya approach. Lopakhin teases Trofimov, saying that he will soon be 50, but he is still a student and walks with young ladies. Petya is sure that people who consider themselves intelligent are actually rude, vulgar and uneducated. Lopakhin agrees: there are very few honest and decent people in Russia.

Everyone, except Anya and Petya, leaves. Petya says that Russia, with its serfdom, is 200 years behind other countries. Trofimov reminds Anya that not so long ago her ancestors owned living people, and this sin can only be expiated by hard work. At this time, the voice of Varya is heard, calling for Anya, who, together with Petya, goes to the river.

Action 3

On the day of the auction, when the estate was to be sold, the hostess arranges a ball. Charlotte Ivanovna entertains guests with tricks. Pishchik, who came to the estate for the ball, still talks about money. Lyubov Andreevna is waiting for her brother to return from the auction, she is worried that he has been gone for a long time, and says that the ball was started inopportunely. Auntie Countess sent 15 thousand, but they are not enough.

Petya says that no matter if the estate is sold today or not, nothing will change - the fate of the cherry orchard is sealed. The former mistress understands that he is right, but does not want to agree. She received a telegram from Paris from her lover, who fell ill again and asked her to return. Ranevskaya says she still loves him.

In response to Petya's surprise, how can she love a person who robbed and deceived her, she gets angry and says that Petya does not know anything about love, because at his age he does not even have a mistress. Insulted, Petya leaves, but then returns. The mistress of the estate asks his forgiveness and goes to dance with him.

Anya enters and says that the auction has taken place and the estate has been sold. At this time, Gaev and Lopakhin return, who reports that he bought the estate. The landowner is crying, Lopakhin tries to comfort her, then leaves with Pishchik. Anya reassures her mother, because life does not end with the sale of the estate, there is still a lot of good ahead.

Action 4

Having sold the estate, the former owners are relieved - the painful issue is finally resolved. The inhabitants of the sold estate leave it. Lopakhin is going to go to Kharkov, Petya decides to return to the university and continue his studies.

He refuses the money offered by Lopakhin, since a free person should not depend on anyone. Anya is also going to finish high school, start working and live a new life.

Her mother is going to return to France to live off her aunt's money. Yasha goes with her, Dunyasha says goodbye to him with tears. Gaev nevertheless takes up the job - he will be a bank employee. Pishchik comes with unexpected news: a deposit of white clay was found on his land, he is now rich and can repay his debts.

Lopakhin promises to help Charlotte find a new place, Varya also finds a job - she gets a job as a housekeeper in a neighboring estate. Epikhodov remains a clerk for the new owner of the estate. Ranevskaya tries to arrange an explanation for Lopakhin with Varya, but he walks away from the conversation.

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Summing up

Everyone leaves the house and forgets about Firs. The old servant lies down on the sofa to die and hears the sound of an ax - they are cutting down a cherry orchard. So sadly ends the play The Cherry Orchard, ironically called a comedy by the author.

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The Cherry Orchard on the estate of Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya had to be sold because of debts. For several years, Ranevskaya lived abroad with her daughter Anya, about seventeen years old. Lyubov's brother Leonid Gaev and Ranevskaya's adopted Varya, a twenty-four-year-old girl, looked after the house. Lyubov had almost no money left, life was not going well: her husband died, his son Grisha died, the person she loved fell ill, and then robbed her and left her.

The brother and daughter met Lyubov and Anna, who had arrived, and the governess was already waiting at home.

Dunyasha and the merchant Yermolai Lopakhin, as he put it, got rich, but remained the same peasant. An employee, Epikhodov, also came, having the peculiarity of constantly finding himself in trouble.

Carriages arrived, the house was filled with people, each of whom enthusiastically talks about something of his own. Speaking about the sale of the estate, Yermolai Alekseevich offered to rent out plots of land. But Love does not want to hear about cutting down her beloved garden. Lopakhin, loving Ranevskaya, wants to stay, but is forced to leave. Pyotr Trofimov, who was once Grisha's teacher, has changed beyond recognition.

Everyone left, Varya and Gaev remain, who begins to blame his sister for not finding a nobleman's husband, Anya, who heard the conversation, is dissatisfied with the words. Gaev begins to plan how he will get the money, claiming that he will not allow the garden to be sold.

Having had breakfast in the city, Lopakhin with Lyubov and Leonid stop at the chapel where Epikhodov recently confessed his love to Dunyasha, who, however, gave her preference to the footman Yasha. Lopakhin never convinces them to agree to the lease.

Anya, Varya and Petya arrive. It comes to pride, Trofimov does not see the point in it, he is dissatisfied with the way noble people communicate with the working class. First Lopakhin seeks to express his opinion, then Ranevskaya, but none of them listens to others, so at some point there is silence.

Anya and Trofimov are left alone, rejoicing at the absence of Vika. Trofimov convinces Anya that the value of freedom is superior to love, and that happiness in the present can be obtained only by redeeming the past with labor.

It's time for the auction. On the same day, out of place, a ball is held in the estate. An excited Ranevskaya is waiting for Leonid, but the money sent by her aunt was not enough to buy the estate.

Trofimov calms the weeping Ranevskaya, who considers the garden the meaning of her life. Love begins to think about the possibility of returning to the man who deceived her. Petya judges Ranevskaya's love for a thief. Angry, Love in retaliation calls him a funny eccentric and similar words, asserts the need to fall in love. But then she asks for his forgiveness, and dances with him.

A joyful Lopakhin and a depressed Gaev come, who immediately leaves. The buyer of the estate turns out to be Yermolai, who is happy and wants to cut down the cherry orchard.

Ranevskaya and Gaev became a little more cheerful after the sale of the garden, which was so exciting for them. Love intends to live in Paris on money that is not useful for bidding. Anya is happy at the thought of starting a new life. Simeonov-Pishchik appears and, surprising everyone with this, begins to distribute debts.

Time has passed. Gaev began to work in a bank. Lopakhin hires Charlotte and Epikhodov, Varya and Lopakhin like each other, but Yermolai does not dare to take a step. The house is empty, the old servant Firs remained in it, whom they wanted to send to the hospital, but forgot. Sighing, frustrated by the departure of Gaev in his coat, he remains motionless to lie. In the ensuing calm, there is a crackling of trees being felled with an ax.

The estate of the landowner Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya. Spring, cherry blossoms. But the beautiful garden is soon to be sold for debts. For the past five years, Ranevskaya and her seventeen-year-old daughter Anya have lived abroad. Ranevskaya's brother Leonid Andreevich Gaev and her adopted daughter, twenty-four-year-old Varya, remained on the estate. Ranevskaya's affairs are bad, there are almost no funds left. Lyubov Andreevna always littered with money. Six years ago, her husband died of alcoholism. Ranevskaya fell in love with another person, got along with him. But soon her little son Grisha died tragically by drowning in the river. Lyubov Andreevna, unable to bear her grief, fled abroad. The lover followed her. When he fell ill, Ranevskaya had to settle him at her dacha near Menton and take care of him for three years. And then, when he had to sell the dacha for debts and move to Paris, he robbed and abandoned Ranevskaya.

Gaev and Varya meet Lyubov Andreevna and Anya at the station. At home, the maid Dunyasha and the familiar merchant Yermolai Alekseevich Lopakhin are waiting for them. Lopakhin's father was a serf of the Ranevskys, he himself got rich, but he says about himself that he remained "a man a man." The clerk Epikhodov arrives, a man with whom something constantly happens and who is called "twenty-two misfortunes."

Finally, the carriages arrive. The house is filled with people, all in a pleasant excitement. Everyone talks about their own. Lyubov Andreevna looks around the rooms and through tears of joy recalls the past. Maid Dunyasha can't wait to tell the young lady that Epikhodov proposed to her. Anya herself advises Varya to marry Lopakhin, and Varya dreams of marrying Anya to a rich man. The governess Charlotte Ivanovna, a strange and eccentric person, boasts of her amazing dog, the neighbor landowner Simeonov-Pishchik asks for a loan. He hears almost nothing and all the time mutters something old faithful servant Firs.

Lopakhin reminds Ranevskaya that the estate should soon be sold at auction, the only way out is to break the land into plots and lease them to summer residents. Lopakhin's proposal surprises Ranevskaya: how can you cut down her favorite wonderful cherry orchard! Lopakhin wants to stay longer with Ranevskaya, whom he loves "more than his own," but it's time for him to leave. Gaev delivers a welcoming speech to the hundred-year-old "respected" closet, but then, embarrassed, again begins to senselessly pronounce his favorite billiard words.

Ranevskaya did not immediately recognize Petya Trofimov: so he changed, became uglier, the “dear student” turned into an “eternal student”. Lyubov Andreevna cries, remembering her little drowned son Grisha, whose teacher was Trofimov.

Gaev, left alone with Varya, tries to talk about business. There is a rich aunt in Yaroslavl, who, however, does not like them: after all, Lyubov Andreevna did not marry a nobleman, and she did not behave “very virtuously”. Gaev loves his sister, but still calls her "vicious", which causes Ani's displeasure. Gaev continues to build projects: his sister will ask Lopakhin for money, Anya will go to Yaroslavl - in a word, they will not allow the estate to be sold, Gaev even swears it. Grumpy Firs finally takes the master, like a child, to sleep. Anya is calm and happy: her uncle will arrange everything.

Lopakhin does not cease to persuade Ranevskaya and Gaev to accept his plan. The three of them had lunch in the city and, returning, stopped in a field near the chapel. Just here, on the same bench, Epikhodov tried to explain himself to Dunyasha, but she had already preferred the young cynical footman Yasha to him. Ranevskaya and Gaev do not seem to hear Lopakhin and talk about completely different things. So without convincing “frivolous, unbusinesslike, strange” people of anything, Lopakhin wants to leave. Ranevskaya asks him to stay: with him "it's still more fun."

Anya, Varya and Petya Trofimov arrive. Ranevskaya starts talking about a "proud man." According to Trofimov, there is no point in pride: a rude, unhappy person should not admire himself, but work. Petya condemns the intelligentsia, who are incapable of work, those people who philosophize importantly, and treat peasants like animals. Lopakhin enters the conversation: he just works “from morning to evening”, dealing with big capital, but he is becoming more and more convinced how few decent people are around. Lopakhin does not finish, Ranevskaya interrupts him. In general, everyone here does not want and does not know how to listen to each other. There is silence, in which the distant sad sound of a broken string is heard.

Soon everyone disperses. Left alone, Anya and Trofimov are glad to have the opportunity to talk together, without Varya. Trofimov convinces Anya that one must be “above love”, that the main thing is freedom: “all of Russia is our garden”, but in order to live in the present, one must first redeem the past with suffering and labor. Happiness is near: if not they, then others will definitely see it.

Comes the twenty-second of August, the day of trading. It is on this evening, quite inopportunely, that a ball is being held in the estate, a Jewish orchestra is invited. Once, generals and barons danced here, and now, as Firs complains, both the postal official and the head of the station "do not go willingly." Charlotte Ivanovna entertains guests with her tricks. Ranevskaya anxiously awaits the return of her brother. The Yaroslavl aunt nevertheless sent fifteen thousand, but they are not enough to buy the estate.

Petya Trofimov “reassures” Ranevskaya: it’s not about the garden, it’s been over for a long time, we need to face the truth. Lyubov Andreevna asks not to condemn her, to feel sorry for her: after all, without a cherry orchard, her life loses its meaning. Every day Ranevskaya receives telegrams from Paris. At first, she tore them up immediately, then - after reading them first, now she doesn't vomit. "This wild man”, whom she still loves, begs her to come. Petya condemns Ranevskaya for her love for "a petty scoundrel, a nonentity." Angry Ranevskaya, unable to restrain herself, takes revenge on Trofimov, calling him a “funny eccentric”, “freak”, “clean”: “You must love yourself ... you must fall in love!” Petya tries to leave in horror, but then stays, dancing with Ranevskaya, who asked for his forgiveness.

Finally, the embarrassed, joyful Lopakhin and the tired Gaev appear, who, without saying anything, immediately goes to his room. The Cherry Orchard was sold and Lopakhin bought it. The "new landowner" is happy: he managed to beat the rich Deriganov at the auction, giving ninety thousand in excess of the debt. Lopakhin picks up the keys thrown on the floor by the proud Varya. Let the music play, let everyone see how Yermolai Lopakhin “suffices with an ax in the cherry orchard”!

Anya comforts her crying mother: the garden is sold, but ahead whole life. There will be a new garden, more luxurious than this, "quiet deep joy" awaits them ...

The house is empty. Its inhabitants, having said goodbye to each other, disperse. Lopakhin is going to Kharkov for the winter, Trofimov returns to Moscow, to the university. Lopakhin and Petya exchange barbs. Although Trofimov calls Lopakhin a "predatory beast", necessary "in the sense of metabolism", he still loves in him "a tender, subtle soul." Lopakhin offers Trofimov money for the journey. He refuses: over the "free man", "in the forefront going" to the "higher happiness", no one should have power.

Ranevskaya and Gaev even cheered up after the sale of the cherry orchard. Previously, they were worried, suffering, but now they have calmed down. Ranevskaya is going to live in Paris for the time being on the money sent by her aunt. Anya is inspired: it starts new life- she will finish the gymnasium, will work, read books, "a new wonderful world" will open before her. Suddenly, out of breath, Simeonov-Pishchik appears and, instead of asking for money, on the contrary, distributes debts. It turned out that the British found white clay on his land.

Everyone settled down differently. Gaev says that now he is a bank servant. Lopakhin promises to find a new place for Charlotte, Varya got a job as a housekeeper to the Ragulins, Epikhodov, hired by Lopakhin, remains on the estate, Firs should be sent to the hospital. But still, Gaev sadly says: "Everyone is leaving us ... we suddenly became unnecessary."

Between Varya and Lopakhin, an explanation must finally occur. For a long time, Varya has been teased by "Madame Lopakhina." Varya likes Yermolai Alekseevich, but she herself cannot propose. Lopakhin, who also speaks well of Vara, agrees to "put an end immediately" to this matter. But when Ranevskaya arranges their meeting, Lopakhin, without deciding, leaves Varia, using the very first pretext.

“Time to go! On the road! - with these words, they leave the house, locking all the doors. All that remains is old Firs, who, it would seem, everyone took care of, but whom they forgot to send to the hospital. Firs, sighing that Leonid Andreevich went in a coat, and not in a fur coat, lies down to rest and lies motionless. The same sound of a broken string is heard. "There is silence, and only one can hear how far in the garden they knock on wood with an ax."

The Cherry Orchard is a lyrical work by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, written in 1903, a year before his death. The play consists of four acts. Chekhov invested the whole meaning of the work in its title, in the emphasis on the penultimate syllable, on the letter ё. After all, it is she who says that the garden is intended to give pleasure to its appearance, by its presence, not by commercial possession. It does not bring monetary gain, but demonstrates the charm of its unusual blooming whiteness and past refined noble life. The garden is able to live only to satisfy the whims of spoiled aesthetes, and not to earn money, which is why it must be destroyed, since this is required by the development of the economy and vital necessity.

Act one

Everything happens in the estate, whose mistress is Lyubov Andreevna Ranevskaya. The splendid garden surrounding the house awaits the fate of being sold for debts incurred by the owner during her life abroad, for several years, after a series of misfortunes that befell her. Lyubov Andreevna, who arrived with her daughter Anya, is met at the station by Ranevskaya's brother Leonid Andreevich Gaev and Varya, her stepdaughter.

Lyubov Andreevna is expected at the estate characters- this is the merchant Lopakhin - an old friend and good acquaintance, Dunyasha - a maid, a little later the clerk Epikhodov arrives, everyone calls him "thirty-three misfortunes" for his ability to get into various troubles. The hospitable house is gradually filled with visiting guests, joyful excitement reigns all around, everyone is talking animatedly about their problems, arguing, interrupting each other.

Lopakhin reminded Lyubov Andreevna that soon the estate was expected to be sold at auction, and in order to avoid this, it was necessary to divide all the land into several plots and offer it for rent to summer residents. With bitterness, Ranevskaya learns that the once “sweet student” Petya Trofimov, who once taught her drowned son, unfortunately the metamorphosis that happened to him does not please him, he turned into an “eternal student”. Gaev, together with Varya, come up with projects on where to get money to pay off debts. Finally, the servant Firs escorts Gaev to rest. native daughter Anya Ranevskoy was inspired by the fact that Leonid Andreevich could help out the estate.

Action two

Lopakhin, who arrived the next day, again continues Ranevskaya's persuasion about the division of the land. But the frivolous Ranevskaya and Gaev again ignore Lopakhin's proposal and talk about something completely insignificant, the amazed Lopakhin makes an attempt to leave them, but remains at the insistence of Ranevskaya. Anya, Trofimov and Varya appear, everyone philosophizes together, Petya scolds the intelligentsia. Everyone interrupts each other, from the outside the conversation resembles a useless hubbub. Looking at this conversation, it is easy to understand that those present are completely unable and unwilling to listen to another person. Finally, everyone has dispersed and Anya and Trofimov can talk freely with each other.

Act Three

Bidding began, on this day, completely out of place, Ranevskaya planned a ball, Lyubov Andreevna anxiously awaits when Gaev returns with the money that her aunt gave in Yaroslavl. But this money is not enough, only 15,000, and it will not be enough to pay off debts. Petya is trying to reassure Ranevskaya, convincing him that everything is over with the garden, and if you face the truth, then he is not really needed. But Lyubov Andreevna does not see the meaning of life without a garden.

Every day she receives news from Paris, and now she no longer tears them up, as before. Having left her without funds, her lover again calls to him. Ranevskaya and Trofimov quarrel, then reconcile. Lopakhin and Gaev came. Lopakhin on top ex-son The serf became the owner of the garden, paying huge sums of money for it. And now the garden will be cut down, Yermolai Lopakhin will "enough with an ax in the cherry orchard." Anya unsuccessfully consoles her mother, saying that another garden will appear, even better, and "a quiet and deep joy" awaits them ahead.

act four

The house is empty. Lopakhin wants to go to Kharkov, Petya Trofimov plans to go to Moscow, both of them are sarcastic about each other. Lopakhin wants to help Trofimov with money, but damned pride won't let Petya take it. Ranevskaya and Gaev suddenly cheered up. With the sale of the cherry orchard, anxieties and worries were gone, Lyubov Andreevna had already planned how she would live in Paris with the money received from her aunt. Anya is happy that she can finally finish her studies at the gymnasium. Simeonov-Pishchik suddenly comes, he hurries to pay off his debts, as white clay has been found on his land, and brilliant prospects are open for him.

Everybody decide on your future life. Gaev identified himself as a bank official. Lopakhin must find a place for Charlotte. Epidokhova hires Lopakhin to manage his land. Varvara will serve as Ragulin's housekeeper, although Varya likes Lopakhin, she expects the first actions from him, and he runs away under some plausible pretext. Sick Firs must be sent to the hospital for treatment. Finally, everything was quiet, everyone left. And only the old servant remains in the house, they simply forgot about him. He lies down and dies. Offstage, the sound of a broken guitar string is heard, and then the blows of axes.

The relevance of the work

The Cherry Orchard is a special work, and even now it evokes a strong surge of feelings, analogies and a new understanding of historical processes in Russian history. The last, most historical work of Chekhov and truly prophetic, describing a certain moment Russian life. The product is relevant at all times.

Comedy in four acts

CHARACTERS:
Ranevskaya Lyubov Andreevna, landowner.
Anya, her daughter, 17 years old.
Varya, her adopted daughter, 24 years old.
Gaev Leonid Andreevich, brother of Ranevskaya.
Lopakhin Ermolai Alekseevich, merchant.
Trofimov Petr Sergeevich, student.
Simeonov-Pishchik Boris Borisovich, landowner.
Charlotte Ivanovna, governess.
Epikhodov Semyon Panteleevich, clerk.
Dunyasha, maid.
Firs, footman, old man 87 years old.
Yasha, a young footman.
Passerby.
Station manager.
Postal official.
Guests, servants.

The action takes place in the estate of L. A. Ranevskaya.

STEP ONE

The room, which is still called the nursery. One of the doors leads to Anna's room. Dawn, soon the sun will rise. It's already May, the cherry trees are blooming, but it's cold in the garden, it's a matinee. The windows in the room are closed. Enter Dunyasha with a candle and Lopakhin with a book in his hand.

L o p a x i n. The train arrived, thank God. What time is it now?

D u n i s a. Two soon. (Extinguishes the candle.) It's already light.

L o p a x i n. How late was the train? Two hours at least. (Yawns and stretches.) I'm good, what a fool I've been! I came here on purpose to meet me at the station, and suddenly I overslept... I sat down and fell asleep. Annoyance... If only you would wake me up.

D u n i s a. I thought you left. (Listens.) Here, it seems, they are already on their way.

LOPACHIN (listens). No ... Get luggage, then and there ...
Pause.
Lyubov Andreevna lived abroad for five years, I don’t know what she has become now ... She is a good person. Easy, simple person. I remember when I was a boy of about fifteen, my late father - he then traded here in the village in a shop - hit me in the face with his fist, blood came out of my nose ... Then we came together for some reason to the yard, and he was drunk. Lyubov Andreevna, as I remember now, still young, so thin, led me to the washstand, in this very room, in the nursery. “Don’t cry, he says, little man, he will heal before the wedding ...”
Pause.
Little man ... My father, however, was a man, but here I am in a white waistcoat, yellow shoes. With a pig's snout in a row of kalash... Just now he's rich, there's a lot of money, but if you think about it and figure it out, then a peasant is a peasant... (He flips through a book.) I read a book and did not understand anything. Read and fell asleep.

D u n i s a. And the dogs did not sleep all night, they can smell that the owners are coming.

L o p a x i n. What are you, Dunyasha, such a ...

D u n i s a. Hands are shaking. I will faint.

L o p a x i n. You are very gentle, Dunyasha. And you dress like a young lady, and your hair too. You can not do it this way. We must remember ourselves.

Epikhodov enters with a bouquet; he is in a jacket and in brightly polished boots that creak strongly; entering, he drops the bouquet.

E p and x about d about in (raises the bouquet). Here the gardener sent, he says, put it in the dining room. (Gives Dunyasha a bouquet.)

L o p a x i n. And bring me kvass.

D u n i s a. I'm listening. (Exits.)

E p and x o d o v. Now it's a matinee, the frost is three degrees, and the cherry is all in bloom. I can't approve of our climate. (Sighs) I can't. Our climate cannot help just right. Here, Ermolai Alekseich, allow me to add, I bought myself boots the third day, and I dare to assure you, they creak so that there is no possibility. What to grease?

L o p a x i n. Leave me alone. Tired.

E p and x o d o v. Every day some misfortune happens to me. And I don’t grumble, I’m used to it and even smile.

Dunyasha enters, serves kvass to Lopakhin.

I will go. (Bumps into a chair that falls.) Here ... (As if triumphant.) You see, excuse the expression, what a circumstance, by the way ... This is simply wonderful! (Exits.)

D u n i s a. And to me, Ermolai Alekseich, I confess, Epikhodov made an offer.

L o p a x i n. BUT!

D u n i s a. I don’t know how ... He is a meek person, but only sometimes, as soon as he starts talking, you won’t understand anything. And good, and sensitive, just incomprehensible. I seem to like him. He loves me madly. He is an unhappy man, every day something. They tease him like that among us: twenty-two misfortunes ...

LOPACHIN (listens). Looks like they're on their way...

D u n i s a. They're coming! What's the matter with me... I've gone cold all over.

L o p a x i n .. They really are coming. Let's go meet. Will she recognize me? Haven't seen each other for five years.

Dunyasha (in agitation). I'm going to fall... Oh, I'm going to fall!

You can hear two carriages pulling up to the house. Lopakhin and Dunyasha leave quickly. The stage is empty. There is noise in the neighboring rooms. Firs, who had come to meet Lyubov Andreevna, hurriedly passes across the stage, leaning on a stick; he is in an ancient livery and a tall hat; something speaks to itself, but not a single word can be made out. The background noise gets louder and louder. Voice: “Let's go here ...” Lyubov Andreevna, Anya and Charlotte Ivanovna with a dog on a chain, dressed like a traveler, Varya in a coat and scarf, Gaev, Semeonov-Pishchik, Lopakhin, Dunyasha with a knot and an umbrella, servants with things Everyone is walking across the room.

And I. Let's go here. Do you remember what room this is?

L ubov Andreevna (joyfully, through tears). Children's!

Varya. How cold, my hands are numb. (To Lyubov Andreevna.) Your rooms, white and purple, have remained the same, mommy.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. A nursery, my dear, beautiful room ... I slept here when I was little ... (Cries.) And now I'm like a little ... (Kisses her brother, Varya, then her brother again.) And Varya is still like that Well, she looks like a nun. And I recognized Dunyasha... (Kisses Dunyasha.)

G a e v. The train was two hours late. What is it? What are the orders?

CHARLOTTE (Pishchik). My dog ​​eats nuts too.

P and u and k (surprised). You think!

Everyone leaves except Anya and Dunyasha.

D u n i s a. We've been waiting... (Takes off Ani's coat and hat.)

And I. I didn't sleep on the road for four nights... now I'm very cold.

D u n i s a. You left in Lent, then there was snow, there was frost, and now? My darling! (Laughs, kisses her.) I've been waiting for you, my joy, my little light... I'll tell you now, I can't stand one minute...

And I (weakly). Something again...

D u n i s a. The clerk Epikhodov proposed to me after the Saint.

And I. You're all about the same thing... (Straightening her hair.) I've lost all the hairpins... (She's very tired, she even staggers.)

D u n i s a. I don't know what to think. He loves me, he loves me so!

ANYA (looks at her door, tenderly). My room, my windows, like I never left. I'm home! Tomorrow morning I will get up and run to the garden... Oh, if only I could sleep! I did not sleep all the way, anxiety tormented me.

And I. I left for Holy Week then it was cold. Charlotte talks all the way, doing tricks. And why did you force Charlotte on me...

Varya. You can't go alone, my dear. At seventeen!

And I. We arrive in Paris, it's cold there, it's snowing. I speak French terribly. Mom lives on the fifth floor, I come to her, she has some French, ladies, an old priest with a book, and it's smoky, uncomfortable. I suddenly felt sorry for my mother, so sorry, I hugged her head, squeezed her hands and could not let go. Mom then caressed everything, cried ...

In a r I (through tears). Don't talk, don't talk...

And I. She had already sold her dacha near Menton, she had nothing left, nothing. I didn't even have a penny left, we barely got there. And my mom doesn't understand! She sits down at the station to dine, and she demands the most expensive thing and gives the lackeys a ruble for tea. Charlotte too. Yasha also demands a portion, it's just awful. After all, my mother has a footman Yasha, we brought him here ...

Varya. I saw a scoundrel.

And I. Well, how? Did you pay interest?

Varya. Where exactly.

And I. My God, my God...

Varya. The estate will be sold in August...

And I. My God...

LOPACHIN (looks in the door and hums). Me-ee... (Exit.)

In a r I (through tears). That's how I would give him ... (Threatens with his fist.)

And I (hugs Varya, quietly). Varya, did he propose? (Varya shakes her head negatively.) After all, he loves you... Why don't you explain yourself, what are you waiting for?

Varya. I don't think we can do anything. He has a lot to do, he is not up to me ... and does not pay attention. God bless him at all, it's hard for me to see him... Everyone talks about our wedding, everyone congratulates, but in reality there is nothing, everything is like a dream... (In a different tone.) Your brooch looks like a bee.

And I (sadly). Mom bought this. (Goes to his room, speaks gaily, childishly.) And in Paris I hot-air balloon flew!

Varya. My darling has arrived! Beauty has arrived!

Dunyasha has already returned with a coffee pot and is making coffee.

(Stands near the door.) I go, my dear, the whole day doing housework and dreaming all the time. If I were to marry you off as a rich man, then I would be dead, I would go to the desert, then to Kyiv ... to Moscow, and so I would go to holy places ... I would go and go. Blessing!..

And I. The birds are singing in the garden. What time is it now?

Varya. Must be the third. It's time for you to sleep, darling. (Entering Anna's room.) Splendor!

Yasha enters with a blanket, a travel bag.

I sha (walks across the stage, delicately). Can you go through here?

D u n i s a. And you don't recognize you, Yasha. What have you become abroad.

I'm a. Um... And who are you?

D u n i s a. When you left here, I was like this... (Points from the floor.) Dunyasha, Fyodor Kozoedov's daughter. You do not remember!

I'm a. Hm... Cucumber! (He looks around and hugs her; she screams and drops her saucer.)

Yasha leaves quickly.

Dunyasha (through tears). Broke the saucer...

Varya. This is good.

And I (leaving my room). You should warn your mother: Petya is here.

Varya. I ordered him not to wake up.

And I (thoughtfully). Six years ago my father died, and a month later my brother Grisha, a pretty seven-year-old boy, drowned in the river. Mom couldn’t bear it, she left, left without looking back ... (Starts.) How I understand her, if only she knew!

And Petya Trofimov was Grisha's teacher, he can remind ...

Fiers enters, wearing a jacket and white waistcoat.

F and rs (goes to the coffee pot, anxiously). The lady will eat here... (Puts on white gloves.) Is the coffee ready? (Strictly, Dunyasha.) You! What about cream?

D u n i s a. Oh, my God... (Quickly leaves.)

F and r s (busy around the coffee pot). Oh, you fool... (Mutters to himself.) They came from Paris... And the master once went to Paris... on horseback... (Laughs.)

Varya. Firs, what are you talking about?

F i r s. What would you like? (Joyfully.) My mistress has arrived! Waited! Now, at least to die ... (Crying with joy.)

Enter LYUBOV ANDREYEVNA, GAYEV and Simeonov-Pishchik; Simeonov-Pishchik in a fine cloth coat and trousers. Gaev, entering, makes a movement with his arms and torso, as if playing billiards.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Like this? Let me remember... Yellow in the corner! Doublet in the middle!

G a e v. I cut into the corner! Once upon a time, you and I, sister, slept in this very room, and now I am already fifty-one years old, oddly enough ...

L o p a x i n. Yes, time is ticking.

G a e v. Whom?

L o p a x i n. Time, I say, is running out.

I wish to disturb you, Avdotya Fyodorovna, for a few words.

D u n i s a. Speak up.

E p and x o d o v. I would like to be alone with you... (Sighs.)

Dunyasha (embarrassed). All right... but first bring me my talmochka... It's near the cupboard... It's a little damp in here...

E p and x o d o v. All right, sir... I'll bring it... Now I know what to do with my revolver... (Takes the guitar and leaves playing.)

I'm a. Twenty-two misfortunes! Silly man, between us. (Yawns.)

D u n i s a. God forbid, shoot yourself.

I became anxious, all worried. I was taken to the masters as a girl, now I have lost the habit of a simple life, and now my hands are white, white, like a young lady's. She became tender, so delicate, noble, I'm afraid of everything ... It's so scary. And if you, Yasha, deceive me, then I don't know what will happen to my nerves.

I am (kisses her). Cucumber! Of course, every girl should remember herself, and I don’t like it more than anything if a girl has bad behavior.

D u n i s a. I passionately fell in love with you, you are educated, you can talk about everything.

Pause.

I am (yawns). Yes, sir ... In my opinion, this is how: if a girl loves someone, then she, therefore, is immoral.

It's nice to smoke a cigar in the fresh air... (Listens.) They're coming... These are the gentlemen...

Dunyasha embraces him impetuously.

Go home, as if you went to the river to swim, go along this path, otherwise they will meet and think about me, as if I were on a date with you. I can't stand it.

Dunyasha (coughs softly). The cigar gave me a headache... (Exits.)

Yasha stays, sits near the chapel. Enter LYUBOV ANDREYEVNA, GAYEV and LOPAKHIN.

L o p a x i n. We must finally decide - time does not wait. The question is completely empty. Do you agree to give the land for dachas or not? Answer in one word: yes or no? Only one word!

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Who's smoking disgusting cigars here... (Sits down.)

G a e v. Here railway built, and it became convenient. (Sits down.) We went to the city and had breakfast ... yellow in the middle! I'd like to go to the house first, play one game...

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. You will succeed.

L o p a x i n. Only one word! (Pleading.) Give me an answer!

GAEV (yawning). Whom?

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. (looks in his purse). Yesterday there was a lot of money, and today there is very little. My poor Varya, out of economy, feeds everyone with milk soup, in the kitchen they give the old people one pea, and I somehow waste it senselessly. (She dropped her purse, scattered the gold ones.) Well, they fell down ... (She is annoyed.)

I'm a. Let me pick it up now. (Picks up coins.)

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Please, Yasha. And why did I go to have breakfast... Your trashy restaurant with music, the tablecloths smell of soap... Why drink so much, Lenya? Why eat so much? Why talk so much? Today in the restaurant you again spoke a lot and everything was inopportune. About the seventies, about the decadents. And to whom? Sex talk about decadents!

L o p a x i n. Yes.

GAEV (waving his hand). I'm incorrigible, that's obvious... (Irritably, to Yasha.) What's wrong, you're constantly spinning before your eyes...

I am (laughs). I couldn't hear your voice without laughing.

G a e in (sister). Either me or he...

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Go away, Yasha, go...

I s a (gives Lyubov Andreevna a purse). I'll leave now. (He can barely stop himself from laughing.) Right now... (He leaves.)

L o p a x i n. Your estate is going to be bought by the rich Deriganov. At the auction, they say, he will come personally.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Where did you hear from?

L o p a x i n. They talk in the city.

G a e v. The Yaroslavl aunt promised to send, but when and how much she will send, it is not known ...

L o p a x i n. How much will she send? Thousand one hundred? Two hundred?

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Well ... Ten or fifteen thousand, and thanks for that.

L o p a x i n. Forgive me, such frivolous people as you, gentlemen, such unbusinesslike, strange, I have not yet met. They speak Russian to you, your estate is for sale, but you definitely do not understand.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. What do we do? Teach what?

L o p a x i n. I teach you every day. Every day I say the same thing. Both the cherry orchard and the land must be leased out for summer cottages, do it now, as soon as possible - the auction is on the nose! Understand! Once you finally decide that there will be dachas, they will give you as much money as you like, and then you will be saved.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Dachas and summer residents - it's so vulgar, sorry.

G a e v. Completely agree with you.

L o p a x i n. I will either sob, or scream, or faint. I can not! You tortured me! (to Gaev.) Baba you!

G a e v. Whom?

L o p a x i n. Woman! (Wants to leave.)

L ubov Andreevna (frightened). No, don't go, stay, my dear. I ask you to. Maybe we can think of something!

L o p a x i n. What is there to think about!

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Don't leave, please. It's more fun with you.

I'm still waiting for something, as if a house should collapse above us.

GAEV (in deep thought). Doublet in the corner. Croise in the middle...

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. We've been wrong a lot...

L o p a x i n. What are your sins...

GAEV (puts a lollipop in his mouth). They say that I ate my entire fortune on candy ... (Laughs.)

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Oh, my sins... I've always been throwing money around like crazy, and married a man who made nothing but debt. My husband died from champagne - he drank terribly - and, unfortunately, I fell in love with another, got together, and just at that time - it was the first punishment, a blow right in the head - right here on the river ... drowned my boy, and I went abroad, left completely, never to return, not to see this river ... I closed my eyes, ran, not remembering myself, and he followed me ... ruthlessly, rudely. I bought a cottage near Menton, because he fell ill there, and for three years I did not know rest, day or night; the patient has tormented me, my soul has dried up. And last year, when the dacha was sold for debts, I went to Paris, and there he robbed me, left me, got together with another, I tried to poison myself ... So stupid, so ashamed ... And suddenly I was drawn to Russia, to my homeland , to my girl ... (Wipes away tears.) Lord, Lord, be merciful, forgive me my sins! Don't punish me anymore! (Takes a telegram out of his pocket.) Received today from Paris... Asks for forgiveness, begs to come back... (Tears the telegram.) Like music somewhere. (Listens.)

G a e v. This is our famous Jewish orchestra. Remember, four violins, a flute and a double bass.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Does he still exist? He should be invited to us somehow, arrange an evening.

LOPACHIN (listening). Do not hear ... (Sings softly.) "And for the money the Germans Frenchize the hare." (Laughs.) What play I saw yesterday at the theater is very funny.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. And probably nothing funny. You don’t have to watch plays, but you should watch yourself more often. How gray you all live, how much you say unnecessary things.

L o p a x i n. This is true. We must say frankly, our life is stupid ...

My dad was a peasant, an idiot, he didn’t understand anything, he didn’t teach me, but only beat me while drunk, and all with a stick. In fact, I'm the same blockhead and idiot. I didn’t learn anything, my handwriting is bad, I write in such a way that people are ashamed of me, like a pig.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. You need to get married, my friend.

L o p a x i n. Yes it's true.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. On our Varya. She's a good girl.

L o p a x i n. Yes.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. I have one of the simple ones, she works all day, and most importantly, she loves you. And yes, you like it too.

L o p a x i n. What? I don't mind... She's a good girl.

Pause.

G a e v. They offered me a job at a bank. Six thousand a year... Did you hear?

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Where are you! Sit already...

Firs enters; he brought a coat.

F i r s (to Gaev). If you please, sir, put it on, otherwise it's damp.

GAVE (puts on coat). You're tired, brother.

F i r s. There is nothing there ... In the morning they left without saying anything. (Looks at him.)

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. How old you are, Firs!

F i r s. What would you like?

L o p a x i n. They say you've aged a lot!

F and r s (not hearing). And still. The peasants are with the gentlemen, the gentlemen are with the peasants, and now everything is scattered, you won’t understand anything.

G a e v. Shut up, Firs. Tomorrow I need to go to the city. They promised to introduce me to one general who could give a bill.

L o p a x i n. You won't get anything. And you will not pay interest, be calm.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. He is delirious. There are no generals.

Enter Trofimov, Anya and Varya.

G a e v. And here comes ours.

And I. Mom is sitting.

L u b o v A Andreevna (gently). Go, go... My relatives... (Embracing Anya and Varya.) If only you both knew how much I love you. Sit next to me, like this.

Everyone sits down.

L o p a x i n. Our eternal student always walks with young ladies.

T r about f and m about in. None of your business.

L o p a x i n. He is fifty years old soon, and he is still a student.

T r about f and m about in. Stop your stupid jokes.

L o p a x i n. What are you, eccentric, angry?

T r about f and m about in. And you don't come.

L o p a k h i n (laughs). Let me ask you, how do you understand me?

T r about f and m about in. I, Yermolai Alekseevich, so understand: you are a rich man, you will soon be a millionaire. That's how in the sense of metabolism you need predatory beast, which eats everything that comes in its way, so you are needed.

Everyone laughs.

Varya. You, Petya, tell us better about the planets.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. No, let's continue yesterday's conversation.

T r about f and m about in. What is it about?

T r about f and m about in. We talked for a long time yesterday, but came to nothing. In a proud person, in your sense, there is something mystical. Perhaps you are right in your own way, but if you talk simply, without fantasies, then what kind of pride is there, is there any sense in it, if a person is physiologically unimportant, if in his vast majority he is rude, unintelligent, deeply unhappy. We need to stop admiring ourselves. We just need to work.

G a e v. You will still die.

T r about f and m about in. Who knows? And what does it mean to die? Perhaps a person has a hundred senses, and only five known to us perish with death, while the remaining ninety-five remain alive.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. How smart you are, Petya! ..

L o p a k h i n (ironically). Passion!

T r about f and m about in. Mankind is moving forward, improving its forces. Everything that is inaccessible to him now will someday become close, understandable, but now you have to work, help with all your might to those who seek the truth. We, in Russia, still have very few people working. The vast majority of the intelligentsia that I know are looking for nothing, doing nothing, and are not yet capable of work. They call themselves intelligentsia, but they say “you” to the servants, they treat the peasants like animals, they study poorly, they don’t read anything seriously, they do absolutely nothing, they only talk about the sciences, they understand little in art. Everyone is serious, everyone has a stern face, everyone talks only about important things, philosophizes, and yet, before everyone’s eyes, the workers eat disgustingly, sleep without pillows, thirty or forty in one room, bedbugs everywhere, stench, dampness, moral impurity. .. And, obviously, all the good talk we have is only to avert the eyes of ourselves and others. Show me where we have a nursery, about which they talk so much and often, where are the reading rooms? They are written about only in novels, but in reality they do not exist at all. There is only dirt, vulgarity, Asiaticism... I am afraid and do not like very serious physiognomies, I am afraid of serious conversations. Better shut up!

L o p a x i n. You know, I get up at five o'clock in the morning, work from morning to evening, well, I always have my own money and other people's money, and I see what kind of people are around. You just have to start doing something to understand how few honest, decent people there are. Sometimes, when I can’t sleep, I think: “Lord, you gave us vast forests, vast fields, the deepest horizons, and living here, we ourselves should really be giants ...”

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. You needed giants... They are only good in fairy tales, but they are so frightening.

Epikhodov walks in the back of the stage and plays the guitar.

(Thoughtfully.) Epikhodov is coming...

And I (thoughtfully). Epikhodov is coming...

G a e v. The sun has set, gentlemen.

T r about f and m about in. Yes.

GAEV (quietly, as if reciting). Oh nature, marvelous, you shine with eternal radiance, beautiful and indifferent, you, whom we call mother, combine life and death, you live and destroy ...

V a r I (pleasantly). Uncle!

And I. Uncle, you again!

T r about f and m about in. You better yellow in the middle of a doublet.

G a e v. I am silent, I am silent.

Everyone is sitting and thinking. Silence. All you can hear is Firs mumbling softly. Suddenly there is a distant sound, as if from the sky, the sound of a broken string, fading, sad.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. What's this?

L o p a x i n. Don't know. Somewhere far away in the mines, a bucket broke. But somewhere very far away.

G a e v. Or maybe some kind of bird ... like a heron.

T r about f and m about in. Or an owl...

L ubov Andreevna (shudders). For some reason it's unpleasant.

Pause.

F i r s. Before the misfortune, it was the same: the owl screamed, and the samovar hummed endlessly.

G a e v. Before what misfortune?

F i r s. Before will.

Pause.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. You know, friends, let's go, it's already evening. (To Anya.) You have tears in your eyes... What are you, girl? (Hugs her.)

And I. That's right, mom. Nothing.

T r about f and m about in. Someone is coming.

A passer-by appears in a tattered white cap and overcoat; he is slightly drunk.

P r o h o g and y. May I ask you, can I go straight to the station here?

G a e v. You can. Follow this road.

P r o h o g and y. Thank you very much. (Coughing.) The weather is excellent... (Reciting.) My brother, suffering brother... go out to the Volga: whose groan... (to Varya.) Mademoiselle, allow the hungry Russian thirty kopecks...

Varya was frightened and screamed.

LOPACHIN (angrily). Every ugliness has its decency!

L ubov Andreevna (stunned). Take ... here you are ... (Looks in a purse.) There is no silver ... It doesn't matter, here's a gold one ...

P r o h o g and y. Thank you very much! (Exits.)

V a r I (frightened). I'll leave... I'll leave... Oh, Mommy, people have nothing to eat at home, and you gave him the golden one.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. What to do with me, stupid! I will give you everything I have at home. Yermolai Alekseich, give me another loan!...

L o p a x i n. I'm listening.

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Come on, gentlemen, it's time. And then, Varya, we completely wooed you, congratulations.

In a r I (through tears). This, Mom, is not a joke.

L o p a x i n. Ohmelia, go to the monastery...

G a e v. And my hands are trembling: I haven't played billiards for a long time.

L o p a x i n. Ohmelia, O nymph, remember me in your prayers!

L ub o v A n d r e e v n a. Come on, gentlemen. Dinner soon.

Varya. He scared me. The heart beats like that.

L o p a x i n. I remind you, gentlemen: on August 22, the cherry orchard will be on sale. Think about it!.. Think!..

Everyone leaves except Trofimov and Anya.

And me (laughing). Thanks to a passerby, I scared Varya, now we are alone.

T r about f and m about in. Varya is afraid, what if we fall in love with each other, and does not leave us for whole days. She, with her narrow head, cannot understand that we are above love. To get around that petty and illusory thing that prevents us from being free and happy, this is the goal and meaning of our life. Forward! We march irresistibly towards the bright star that burns far away! Forward! Keep up, friends!

And I (clasping my hands). How well you speak!

It's amazing here today!

T r about f and m about in. Yes, the weather is amazing.

And I. What have you done to me, Petya, why I no longer love the cherry orchard as before. I loved him so tenderly, it seemed to me that there was no better places like our garden.

T r about f and m about in. All Russia is our garden. The earth is great and beautiful, there are many wonderful places on it.

Think about it, Anya: your grandfather, great-grandfather and all your ancestors were feudal lords who owned living souls, and really from every cherry in the garden, from every leaf, from every trunk they do not look at you human beings, can't you hear voices ... To own living souls - after all, it has reborn all of you who lived before and now live, so that your mother, you, uncle, no longer notice that you live in debt, at someone else's expense, at the expense of those people whom you do not let in further than the front ... We are at least two hundred years behind, and we still have absolutely nothing, no definite relationship to the past, we only philosophize, complain of longing or drink vodka. After all, it is so clear that in order to begin to live in the present, we must first redeem our past, put an end to it, and it can only be redeemed by suffering, only by extraordinary, uninterrupted labor. Get it, Anya.

And I. The house in which we live is no longer our home, and I will leave, I give you my word.

T r about f and m about in. If you have the keys to the household, then throw them into the well and leave. Be free as the wind.

And I (delighted). How well you said!

T r about f and m about in. Believe me, Anya, believe me! I am not yet thirty, I am young, I am still a student, but I have already endured so much! Like winter, so I am hungry, sick, anxious, poor, like a beggar, and - wherever fate has not driven me, wherever I have been! And yet my soul was always, at every moment, day and night, full of inexplicable forebodings. I foresee happiness, Anya, I already see it...

And I (thoughtfully). The moon is rising.

One can hear Epikhodov playing the same sad song on the guitar. The moon is rising. Somewhere near the poplars, Varya is looking for Anya and calls: “Anya! Where are you?"

T r about f and m about in. Yes, the moon is rising.

Here it is, happiness, here it comes, coming closer and closer, I can already hear his steps. And if we don't see it, don't recognize it, then what's the trouble? Others will see it!

Again this Varya! (Angry.) Outrageous!

And I. Well? Let's go to the river. It's good there.