The Cherry Orchard (Chekhov)
Short summary
Russia, early 20th century. Liubov Andreevna Ranevskaya returned to her family estate after five years abroad. She arrived with her brother Gaev and daughter Anya to find their cherry orchard would soon be auctioned to pay their debts.
Businessman Yermolai Lopakhin proposed a solution: cut down the cherry orchard and build summer cottages to rent out. Ranevskaya and Gaev rejected this idea, finding it vulgar and unable to imagine their beloved orchard destroyed.
While the family hoped for a loan from their wealthy aunt or a marriage between Lopakhin and Ranevskaya's adopted daughter Varya, they took no practical action. Student Trofimov philosophized about Russia's need for progress, while Ranevskaya continued her impractical spending.
On the day of the auction, Lopakhin himself purchased the estate. He arrived at the party Ranevskaya was hosting and announced his triumph with mixed emotions.
LOPAKHIN: The cherry orchard is mine! It's mine! Tell me I'm drunk, I'm out of my mind, tell me it's all a dream... If my father and grandfather could rise from their graves and see what happened today!
Ranevskaya was devastated but accepted her fate. The family prepared to leave: Ranevskaya returned to Paris, Anya and Trofimov headed to university, and Gaev took a bank job. Lopakhin never proposed to Varya despite everyone's expectations.
As the family departed, they accidentally left behind elderly servant Firs, who lay down, feeling forgotten and useless. The play ended with the sound of axes striking the cherry trees as Lopakhin's workers began cutting down the orchard.
Detailed summary by acts
The division of acts into sections is editorial.
Act 1. Return to the estate
Family reunion in the old nursery
The play opened in a room still called the nursery in the Ranevskaya estate. It was daybreak in May, though still cold with morning frost. Lopakhin, who had fallen asleep while reading, awoke to realize the train carrying Ranevskaya was finally arriving after a two-hour delay. He reminisced to Dunyasha, the housemaid, about how Ranevskaya had once shown him kindness when he was a boy and his father had beaten him.
Soon, the family arrived from the train station. Liubov Andreevna Ranevskaya entered with her daughter Anya, her brother Gaev, her adopted daughter Varya, and others. Ranevskaya was overcome with emotion upon seeing the nursery, exclaiming that she still felt like a little girl there. She embraced her brother and daughters, recognizing Dunyasha, who had grown up during her five-year absence.
Anya, exhausted from the journey, described their difficult trip from Paris, where her mother had been living. She explained that her mother had no money left, having spent everything, yet continued to order expensive meals and give generous tips. Varya, meanwhile, informed Anya that the estate would likely be sold by August to pay their debts.
Lopakhins proposal for the cherry orchard
Lopakhin, eager to help the family, presented his business proposal to save the estate. He suggested dividing the cherry orchard and the land along the river into lots for summer cottages. This would generate at least twenty-five thousand roubles of annual income, enough to resolve their financial troubles. Ranevskaya and Gaev, however, were horrified by the idea of cutting down their beloved cherry orchard.
LOPAKHIN: If there's one thing of any interest in this whole district, it's our cherry orchard... The days when the countryside was only for landowners and peasants are over. Now it's the time of the summer folk.
Firs, the elderly manservant, reminisced about how the cherry orchard used to be profitable decades ago when they dried and preserved the cherries. He lamented that the secret method had been forgotten. Ranevskaya, still resistant to Lopakhin's idea, wondered about her brother's plans. Gaev mentioned the possibility of borrowing money against a promissory note and their great-aunt in Yaroslavl potentially helping them financially.
FIRS: In the old days, forty, fifty years ago, they dried the cherries... And your dried cherry isn't what it used to be—they were soft and juicy, sweet, with a fragrance to them... they had the secret.
Simeonov-Pishchik, another landowner in financial trouble, arrived and immediately asked to borrow money from Ranevskaya, despite her own precarious situation. Ranevskaya, unable to refuse, agreed to give him what little she had. Her impractical approach to money was evident as she continued to spend freely despite her circumstances.
Trofimovs arrival and memories of the drowned boy
The emotional climax of the reunion came with the arrival of Pyotr Sergeevich Trofimov, the former tutor of Ranevskaya's son Grisha, who had drowned in the river near the estate years ago. His appearance deeply affected Ranevskaya, bringing back painful memories of her loss. Trofimov had aged considerably since she last saw him, though he was still a student.
Ranevskaya wept at the memories of her son, while Varya tried to comfort her. The family's tragic past was revealed: six years earlier, Ranevskaya's father had died, and shortly after, her seven-year-old son Grisha had drowned in the river. These tragedies had prompted Ranevskaya to flee abroad, unable to face the painful memories associated with the estate.
As night fell, the family prepared for bed. Anya, exhausted from the journey, was led to her room by Varya. Before sleeping, Anya expressed her concerns about their financial situation to her uncle Gaev, who reassured her that they would find a way to save the estate. In the distance, a shepherd played a pipe, creating a melancholic atmosphere as the first act concluded.
Act 2. Confrontations in the countryside
Conversations near the abandoned chapel
The second act took place outdoors near an old, abandoned chapel with a well and gravestones. In the distance, the cherry orchard was visible, along with telegraph poles and the outline of a town on the horizon. Charlotta, Yasha, Dunyasha, and Yepikhodov were sitting on a bench. Charlotta, wearing an old cap and carrying a rifle, spoke melancholically about her unknown origins and loneliness.
Lopakhin continued to press Ranevskaya and Gaev about his proposal for the cherry orchard, urging them to make a decision before it was too late. The auction for the estate was approaching, and the wealthy Deriganov was interested in buying it. Ranevskaya remained resistant to the idea of cutting down the orchard, finding it vulgar and distasteful.
Ranevskaya opened up about her troubled past, revealing that her husband had died from excessive drinking and that she had subsequently fallen in love with another man who had mistreated her. This man had robbed her, abandoned her for another woman, and then begged her to return to him in Paris. She had attempted suicide after these events and felt she was being punished for her sins.
LIUBOV: I've always squandered money without a thought like some madwoman... I bought a little house near Menton when he fell ill there, and for the next three years I had no rest day or night, he wore me out, my soul dried up.
Gaev mentioned that he had been offered a position at a bank, though Ranevskaya dismissed this as impractical. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Trofimov, Anya, and Varya. A strange sound, like a breaking string, was heard in the distance, causing unease among the group. Firs recalled that a similar sound had preceded the emancipation of the serfs, which he referred to as "the disaster."
Philosophical debates and Trofimovs vision for the future
Trofimov engaged the group in philosophical discussions about human progress and the inefficiency of mankind as a physiological machine. He argued that people should stop admiring themselves and focus on work instead. His idealistic views contrasted with Lopakhin's practical business mindset, creating tension between the two men.
TROFIMOV: Mankind is advancing, developing its powers. Everything which is as yet out of reach is coming closer to our grasp... But we have to work, work with all our might, to support those who are seeking the truth of things.
Trofimov criticized the Russian intelligentsia for their inaction and hypocrisy, pointing out how they treated servants like children and peasants like animals while philosophizing about deep matters. He argued that their fine talk was merely a distraction from the moral degradation and poverty surrounding them. Lopakhin countered by describing his own work ethic and the scarcity of reliable people he encountered in business.
A passer-by interrupted their conversation, asking for directions to the station and begging for money. Ranevskaya, despite her own financial troubles, gave him a gold piece, prompting Varya to criticize her mother's impractical generosity. After the stranger left, the group prepared to return to the house for supper.
Left alone, Trofimov and Anya engaged in an intimate conversation about the future. Trofimov passionately spoke about Russia's past sins, particularly the ownership of human beings (serfdom), and how this history had corrupted everyone. He urged Anya to face this truth and work toward redemption.
TROFIMOV: The whole of Russia is our orchard. The world is vast and there are many lovely places in it... The ownership of human beings! You're all of you corrupted by it, Anya, don't you see?
Anya, inspired by Trofimov's vision, declared that their house was no longer truly theirs and promised to leave it behind. Trofimov spoke of freedom and happiness to come, even if they themselves might not live to see it. As the moon rose, they heard Varya calling for Anya in the distance.
Act 3. The auction day
The party and anxiously awaiting news
The third act opened in the drawing room of the Ranevskaya estate, where a party was in progress despite the auction of the cherry orchard taking place that same day. A Jewish orchestra played in the entrance hall as couples danced through the drawing room. The festive atmosphere contrasted sharply with the anxiety felt by the family about the outcome of the auction.
Ranevskaya and Varya were particularly anxious about Gaev and Lopakhin, who had gone to the auction. Varya expressed confidence that their uncle would purchase the estate with money from their aunt, but Trofimov sarcastically dismissed this possibility. Varya and Trofimov exchanged barbs, with Trofimov teasing her about her potential marriage to Lopakhin by calling her "Madame Lopakhina."
Ranevskaya confided in Trofimov about her troubled relationship with the man in Paris who had mistreated her. She revealed that she had received another telegram from him begging her to return. When Trofimov criticized her for her attachment to this man, calling him a "swine," Ranevskaya became defensive and lashed out at Trofimov for his inexperience in matters of love.
Charlottas entertainment and growing tension
To distract from the tension of waiting for news about the auction, Charlotta performed magic tricks for the guests. She demonstrated her skills as a ventriloquist and performed card tricks that amazed Pishchik. For her final trick, she made Anya and Varya appear from behind a cloth, delighting the audience with her theatrical flair.
The entertainment provided only temporary relief from the anxiety about the estate's fate. Ranevskaya continued to worry about why Gaev and Lopakhin had not yet returned from the auction. She feared the worst but tried to maintain her composure in front of the guests. Meanwhile, Varya remained hopeful that their uncle had purchased the estate with their aunt's money.
Lopakhins triumph and familys devastation
The tension broke when Lopakhin finally returned with Gaev. Their contrasting demeanors immediately suggested the outcome of the auction. Gaev was visibly upset, wiping away tears, while Lopakhin appeared agitated but excited. After a moment of suspense, Lopakhin announced that he had purchased the cherry orchard himself.
Ranevskaya was crushed by the news, nearly collapsing. Varya, in a symbolic gesture of relinquishing her role as manager of the estate, threw her keys onto the floor. Lopakhin, meanwhile, could hardly contain his excitement and pride. He described how he had outbid Deriganov at the auction, raising his offer until he secured the estate for ninety thousand roubles above the mortgage.
For Lopakhin, the purchase represented a profound personal triumph—the son of a serf now owned the estate where his father and grandfather had been servants. He was both elated and emotional, seeing it as a vindication of his rise from poverty. He announced his plans to cut down the cherry orchard and build summer cottages, envisioning a new life for the property and for future generations.
The family's reactions varied. Ranevskaya wept bitterly while Gaev was stunned into silence. Lopakhin, sensing their distress, offered to lend Ranevskaya money, but his triumph overshadowed his sympathy. He called for music and celebrated his victory, insensitive to the family's pain at losing their ancestral home.
Anya, however, approached her mother with a message of hope. She urged Ranevskaya not to cry, suggesting that they could start a new life together. She spoke of planting a new orchard and finding happiness beyond the loss of their estate.
ANYA: We'll plant a new orchard, lovelier than this one, and then you'll see, and understand everything. A deep calm happiness will fill your breast like the sun at evening, and you'll smile again, Mama!
Act 4. Departure and abandonment
Preparations for leaving the estate
The final act took place in the same setting as the first, but the room was now stripped of curtains and furniture. Suitcases and bundles were piled up, indicating the family's imminent departure. Lopakhin arrived with champagne to bid farewell to the family, but neither Ranevskaya nor Gaev accepted his offer to drink with him.
Trofimov and Lopakhin had a final exchange, with Trofimov refusing Lopakhin's offer of money for his journey. Despite their differences, there was a mutual respect between them. Lopakhin acknowledged Trofimov's idealism, while Trofimov recognized Lopakhin's capacity for more than just business.
The awkward relationship between Lopakhin and Varya remained unresolved. Ranevskaya attempted to orchestrate a proposal by leaving them alone together, but Lopakhin could not bring himself to propose, and Varya continued searching through luggage to avoid confrontation. Their conversation remained superficial, and the opportunity for marriage passed.
Pishchik arrived with unexpected good news—he had discovered white clay on his property and leased the land to some Englishmen, allowing him to repay his debts to Lopakhin and Ranevskaya. This sudden reversal of fortune contrasted with the family's loss of their estate.
As the time for departure approached, the family prepared to leave the house for the last time. Ranevskaya was particularly emotional, wanting to take one last look at the walls and rooms where she had spent her childhood. Anya reassured her mother that they would build a new life together. Gaev struggled to express his feelings, repeatedly falling back on billiard terminology when overcome with emotion.
Final goodbyes and Firs left behind
The family said their final goodbyes to the house. Ranevskaya kissed the walls and furniture, overcome with memories. Anya and Trofimov looked forward to the future with optimism, while Gaev and Ranevskaya were consumed by nostalgia and grief. Lopakhin reminded them that he would see them again in the spring, as he prepared to begin transforming the property.
LIUBOV: Oh, my poor, sweet, lovely orchard! My life, my childhood, my happiness, goodbye! Goodbye! ... One last look around at the walls... the windows. Mama used to love this room.
In the confusion of departure, a critical oversight occurred. Firs, who had been ill, was supposed to be taken to the hospital. However, there was a miscommunication, and the elderly servant was accidentally left behind in the empty house. Yasha had claimed to have sent Firs to the hospital that morning, but this proved to be untrue.
After everyone had left, Firs entered the empty room, discovering that he had been forgotten and that the doors were locked. Weak and ill, he lay down on the divan, resigned to his fate. His final moments symbolized the passing of the old order that he had served faithfully throughout his life.
FIRS: Locked. They've gone... Forgot all about me. Never mind. I'll have a little sit down here... My life's gone by as if I never lived. I'll just lie down for a bit. No strength left, you haven't, you've nothing left.
The play concluded with the sound of a breaking string, similar to the one heard earlier, followed by silence. Then, in the distance, the sound of an axe striking a tree in the cherry orchard could be heard—the first step in Lopakhin's transformation of the estate and a symbol of the end of an era.
A distant sound, as though from the sky, is heard, the sound of a breaking string, dying away, sad. Silence descends, and the only thing to be heard, far away in the orchard, is the thudding of an axe against a tree.