Chapter-by-Chapter Summary of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

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Anton Chekhov’s greatest creative legacy is often recalled through his short humorous stories, full of deep philosophical thought and often tragic notes. For theater-goers, he is undoubtedly one of the most prominent playwrights of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Chekhov’s play, The Cherry Orchard, became the culmination of his dramatic work. Written in 1903, it premiered at the Moscow Art Theatre a year later, serving as the quintessential expression of Chekhov’s reflections on the fate of Russia. For those who do not have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in Chekhov’s play, this chapter-by-chapter summary will help them become acquainted with this significant work.

Critics defined Chekhov’s play The Cherry Orchard as a drama, while the author himself primarily considered it a comedy, finding nothing dramatic in it.

Setting and Time

The action unfolds in the fading atmosphere of noble estates at the end of the 19th century, specifically at the Ranevsky estate, where the past and the present, reality and dreams, collide.

Main Characters and Other Figures

• Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevsky — A once wealthy landowner, running from the bitter memories of her son’s tragic loss into the embrace of an illusory world. Her frivolity, impracticality, and unwillingness to acknowledge change are character traits that prevent her from adapting to the new reality.
• Anya — Ranevsky’s young, seventeen-year-old daughter with a clear mind and a sober view of life. She understands the inevitability of change and the necessity of parting with the past to build a new future.
• Leonid Andreyevich Gayev — Ranevsky’s brother, a master of lengthy, often untimely and inappropriate, speeches. His words are perceived more as eccentricities, and he himself as a kind of blessed eccentric. Gayev’s worldview mirrors his sister’s; he is equally distant from understanding the present.
• Yermolay Alexeyevich Lopakhin — A successful merchant, a typical representative of bourgeois Russia. Descended from peasant shopkeepers, he succeeded thanks to his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, though he is not highly educated.
• Varya — Ranevsky’s adopted daughter, who dreams of making a pilgrimage to holy sites. She performed the duties of the mistress of the house during her mother’s absence.
• Pyotr Sergeyevich Trofimov — A student, the former tutor of Grisha (Ranevsky’s son) who died in childhood. He is an eternal student who loves to reflect on the fate of Russia, on what is right and what is not. His ideas are quite progressive, but he takes no action to implement them.

Other Characters

• Boris Borisovich Simeonov-Pishchik — A landowner and Ranevsky’s neighbor, also steeped in debt.
• Charlotta Ivanovna — A governess whose childhood was spent in the atmosphere of a circus backstage, where her parents worked. She performs many exciting tricks and magic acts. However, Charlotta Ivanovna constantly questions the meaning of her existence and feels a lack of spiritual closeness with those around her.
• Semyon Panteleyevich Yepikhodov — A clerk, known for his extreme clumsiness, earning him the nickname “Twenty-Two Misfortunes” among those around him. He is deeply troubled by his feelings for Dunyasha.
• Dunyasha — A young maid, longing for real love. She tries to behave like a refined young lady, seeing herself as a “tender creature accustomed to gallant treatment.”
• Firs — An elderly footman who has faithfully served the Ranevsky and Gayev family throughout his life. He refused to start his own hearth and gain freedom, dedicating himself to loyal service.
• Yasha — A young footman who has developed an inflated sense of self after traveling abroad. He is characterized by arrogance and dissoluteness.

Act-by-Act Summary

The four acts of The Cherry Orchard unfold within the cozy walls of the estate belonging to Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevsky.

Act 1

The curtain rises, revealing “a room that holds echoes of childhood,” which is where the first act begins.

It is a May morning, filled with freshness and the fragrance of the blossoming cherry orchard. Lopakhin and Dunyasha eagerly await the return of Ranevsky, who spent the last five years abroad with her daughter Anya, the governess, and the servant Yasha. Lopakhin recalls Lyubov Andreyevna as a simple and sincere person. He speaks of his origin, mentioning that his father was a simple peasant, while he himself is now “in a white vest, yellow shoes.” Lopakhin does not hesitate to admit that, despite his wealth, he did not receive a proper education. At the same time, he reproaches Dunyasha for dressing too much like a lady and not behaving like an ordinary maid. Dunyasha is nervous about the imminent arrival of the owners. At this moment, Yepikhodov enters with a bouquet, and Dunyasha tells Lopakhin that he proposed to her.

The long-awaited arrival of the main characters of The Cherry Orchard takes place. In addition to the main protagonists, other characters—Gayev, Varya, Simeonov-Pishchik, and Firs—who met them at the station, also enter the stage.

Anya. Let’s walk here. Do you remember, Mama, this is your nursery? Lyubov Andreyevna (joyfully, with tears in her eyes). Yes, it is, my nursery! Varya. It’s so cold here, my hands are completely numb. (To Lyubov Andreyevna.) Your rooms, the white and the violet one, are still the same, Mama. Lyubov Andreyevna. The nursery, my dear and beautiful room… I slept here when I was little… (Crying.) And now I feel like a child again… (Kisses her brother, Varya, then her brother again.) And Varya is still the same, like a nun. And I recognized Dunyasha…

Anya and Lyubov Andreyevna are joyful to be home. They note that the surrounding space has barely changed, creating the feeling that they never left. A lively commotion begins in the house; Dunyasha tries to tell Anya what happened in their absence, but Anya shows no interest, her attention drawn only to the news of Petya Trofimov’s arrival.

Lyubov Andreyevna, is this really me sitting here? (Laughs.) I want to jump, to wave my arms. (Covers her face with her hands.) What if I’m dreaming! I swear to God, I love my homeland, I love it tenderly, I couldn’t look from the train carriage, I just kept crying. (Through tears.) But it’s time to drink coffee. Thank you, Firs, thank you, my old man. I’m so glad you’re still alive.

The first act reveals the deplorable financial situation of Ranevsky. Selling property abroad was a forced measure, and the inevitable looms in August: an auction where the ancestral home, the estate with the cherry orchard, will be sold to cover accumulated debts. While Anya and Varya anxiously discuss their unenviable position, Lyubov Andreyevna, unaccustomed to economy and deprivation, merely sighs sadly, immersed in Firs’s stories about the old days when the cherry orchard brought profit, and its fruits were turned into exquisite delicacies.

Lyubov Andreyevna (gazing at the orchard outside the window). Oh, my carefree childhood, my innocent purity! I spent nights in this nursery, and in the mornings my eyes delighted in the sight of the orchard; happiness woke up with me. And it looked exactly like this, unchanged. (A joyful smile lights up her face.) All, all drowned in white flowers! Oh, my wonderful orchard!

Lopakhin suggests that Ranevsky and Gayev modernize their estate by dividing the cherry orchard into plots and leasing them to wealthy townspeople. He assures them that this solution would bring an annual income of at least twenty-five thousand rubles. However, Ranevsky and her brother categorically reject this plan, cherishing their cherry orchard, which they consider the real adornment of the entire province. Nevertheless, Lopakhin urges them to carefully consider his proposal and leaves. Gayev hopes that he will be able to borrow money to pay off the debts, and in the meantime, he tries to secure the support of his wealthy Aunt-Countess, relying on her help to solve their financial problems.

In this same act, Petya Trofimov, passionately in love with Anya, makes an appearance.

Act 2

In the second act of The Cherry Orchard, the setting moves outdoors, near an old chapel. A picturesque view of the cherry orchard opens up from here, with a city landscape visible on the horizon. Some time has passed since Ranevsky’s return, and the auction for the sale of the orchard is very near. During this time, Dunyasha has developed feelings for Yasha, but he is in no hurry to acknowledge their relationship and even feels some embarrassment.

During a walk with Yepikhodov, Charlotta Ivanovna, Dunyasha, and Yasha, Charlotta shares her feelings of loneliness and the absence of loved ones with whom she could share her anxieties. Yepikhodov, noticing Dunyasha’s preference for Yasha, is upset and even hints at the possibility of committing suicide. Dunyasha is deeply in love with Yasha, but his behavior indicates that for him, it is merely a fleeting infatuation.

Ranevsky, Gayev, and Lopakhin gather by the chapel. Gayev praises the advantages of the railway, which allowed them to quickly reach the city and have breakfast. Lopakhin asks Lyubov Andreyevna for an answer about leasing the estate lands, but she, lamenting her lack of money and criticizing herself for unwise expenses, seems not to hear him. However, a little later, she gives a gold ruble to a random passerby.

Ranevsky and Gayev are waiting for a money transfer from the Aunt-Countess, but this sum will not be enough to pay off the debts. The idea of leasing the land to summer residents is unacceptable to them and even seems humiliating. Lopakhin is surprised by their frivolity and shortsightedness—the estate is being sold, and leasing the land could have been a guarantee for any bank. But the landowners do not hear or understand what Lopakhin is trying to explain.

Listen! Every God-given day I keep repeating the same thing to you, like a parrot! The cherry orchard and the land must be leased for dachas, immediately, this very minute! The auction is already upon us, come to your senses! Finally, decide on the dachas – and money will flow like a river! You will be saved! Lyubov Andreyevna. Dachas and summer residents—that’s so vulgar, excuse me. Gayev. I fully share your opinion. Lopakhin. What is this! I’ll cry like a child now, or scream at the top of my lungs! I can’t take it anymore! You’ve completely exhausted me! (To Gayev.) You old maid, that’s what you are!

Lyubov Andreyevna, as if reproaching Lopakhin for his practicality and lack of refinement, unexpectedly offers him Varya’s hand. At this moment, as always inappropriately, Gayev interrupts the conversation with news of a possible job at a bank. His sister, not sharing his enthusiasm, chastises her brother, asserting that he has no place among bankers. Old Firs appears, immersed in memories of his youth and how good life was, in his opinion, under serfdom, when everyone knew their place: the master was the master, and the servant was the servant.

Varya, Anya, and Petya join the walking party. The conversation, which began the day before, resumes. The topic is pride and the intelligentsia, which, despite its apparent education, often turns out to be a collection of petty and boring individuals. The abyss separating these people becomes obvious.

In the evening, when everyone has gone home, Anya and Petya remain alone. In this silence, Anya admits that the cherry orchard is, essentially, of little significance to her, and that she is ready to begin a new life.

Trofimov. Varya is afraid that we might fall in love, and she constantly follows us. She, with her narrow way of thinking, doesn’t understand that we are above the feelings of love. To overcome the petty and unstable things that prevent us from being free and happy—that is the goal and meaning of our existence. Forward! We are moving relentlessly toward the bright star that shines there in the distance! Forward! Don’t fall behind, friends! Anya (clapping her hands). How beautifully you speak!

Act 3

The third act of The Cherry Orchard takes place in the drawing-room in the evening.

An orchestra is playing in the house, and couples are dancing. All the characters are present, except for Lopakhin and Gayev. August 22nd is the day scheduled for the estate’s auction.

Pishchik and Trofimov are talking when they are interrupted by Lyubov Andreyevna; she is extremely agitated, awaiting the return of her brother from the auction, but he is delayed. Ranevsky is guessing whether the auction took place and what its outcome was.

The sum of money provided by the caring aunt to redeem the estate was insufficient, not even covering the interest on the debt obligations. Despite this, the hostess Charlotta Ivanovna entertains the guests with her magic tricks, striving to create a light, relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, young Yasha expresses his desire to go to Paris with the mistress, weary of the surrounding rudeness and ignorance. Ranevsky, eagerly awaiting her imminent departure to France and a meeting with her lover, tries to arrange the lives of her daughters. She foresees Varya marrying Lopakhin, and for Anya, she considers an alliance with Petya, although she fears his indefinite status as an “eternal student.”

In the midst of the events, an argument flares up about a person’s willingness to make any sacrifice for love. Lyubov Andreyevna reproaches Petya for his arrogance, for considering himself “above love,” and Petya reminds her that she is infatuated with an unworthy man who has already once deceived and abandoned her. Although there is no specific news yet about the sale of the house and orchard, it is clear that everyone present is already discussing how they will live if the orchard is sold.

Yepikhodov tries to talk to Dunyasha, but she has already lost all interest in him. Varya, who is just as agitated as her adopted mother, chases Yepikhodov away, reproaching him for behaving too freely for a servant. Firs bustles around, offering snacks to the guests, and everyone notices that he is not feeling well.

Lopakhin appears on the threshold, barely restraining a triumphant smile. He has returned with Gayev, who was tasked with bringing news from the auction. Leonid Andreyevich, not hiding his tears, remains silent. The news of the estate’s sale is delivered by Yermolay Alexeyevich himself: it is now his property! Only after this does Lopakhin allow his feelings to break free.

Pishchik. Well, what is it? Did the auction take place? Tell us! Lyubov Andreyevna. So, the cherry orchard is sold? Lopakhin. It is sold. Lyubov Andreyevna. And who bought it? Lopakhin. I bought it.

He is intoxicated with victory. The most beautiful estate, where his grandfather and father were rightless serfs, now belongs to him. He is free to exercise his will; he is the master not only of the cherry orchard but also of his own destiny: “I can pay for everything!” Without delaying a single day, he is ready to begin cutting down the orchard to build dachas in its place—a symbol of the new life he will build for himself.

Varya leaves the house, dropping the keys behind her, Lyubov Andreyevna sobs, and Anya tries to comfort her, saying that much good lies ahead and life does not end.

Anya. My dear Mama, why are you crying? My dear, kind, and beautiful Mama, I love you and I bless you. The cherry orchard is sold, it’s gone, it’s true, but don’t weep, Mama, because life is ahead of you, and your soul remains beautiful and pure… Come with me, let’s go from here, my dear. We will plant a new, magnificent orchard, you will see it and find joy, quiet and deep, like the setting sun, and you will smile, Mama! Come, my dear, come!

Act 4

The fourth act begins in the nursery, which is empty, with only packed luggage standing in the corner, ready for departure. The sound of trees being cut down is heard from afar. Lopakhin and Yasha await the former owners, who are being visited by their peasants to say goodbye. Lopakhin offers the Ranevsky family champagne for their farewell, but no one is interested. Everyone’s mood is different: Lyubov Andreyevna and Gayev are sorrowful, Anya and Petya are full of anticipation for the start of a new phase, Yasha is glad to leave his tiresome homeland and his mother, and Lopakhin is in a hurry to lock up the house and proceed with his plans. Ranevsky holds back tears, but when Anya says that after the estate was sold everyone felt easier because they understood where to move next, everyone agrees with her. Now they all travel together to Kharkov, and from there their paths will diverge: Ranevsky and Yasha leave for Paris, Anya goes to study, Petya to Moscow, Gayev starts working at a bank, and Varya finds a job as a housekeeper in a neighboring town. Only Charlotta Ivanovna has not yet decided on her future plans, but Lopakhin promises to help her. He also hires Yepikhodov to help with the estate’s affairs. Of the house’s former inhabitants, the sick Firs is the calmest; he was supposed to be taken to the hospital that morning, but it is unclear whether this was done due to the commotion.

Suddenly, Pishchik bursts in, astonishing everyone with his unexpected appearance. As if a weight has been lifted from his shoulders, he repays his debt to Lopakhin and Ranevsky, telling an amazing story about leasing his land to the English. It turns out that foreigners were interested in his land for the extraction of rare white clay. Pishchik confesses that deciding to lease the land was like jumping into the unknown for him, but having taken the step, he realized that everything was not as frightening as his imagination had painted it.

Lyubov Andreyevna, not losing hope, makes one last attempt to unite the destinies of Lopakhin and Varya. However, left alone, Lopakhin does not dare to propose, leaving Varya deeply disappointed. Meanwhile, carriages arrive, and the loading of belongings begins. Everyone leaves, and only the brother and sister remain alone with the house where their childhood and youth were spent. In each other’s arms, they shed tears, bidding farewell not only to the familiar walls but also to the past, to dreams, to memories. At this moment, they acutely realize that life has irrevocably changed, opening a new, unknown chapter.

In the deserted house, where a heavy silence reigns, the solitary figure of Firs appears. Forgotten in the whirlwind of events, he sadly discovers that the doors are locked, and he has been left to his own fate. But there is no room for resentment in the old man’s heart, only resignation and humility. He sinks onto the sofa, as if clinging with his last strength to the slipping life, and soon his breathing stills forever.

Firs approaches the door, his hand trembling as he fumbles for the handle. Locked. Everyone has gone… The old man slowly settles onto the sofa. They forgot about me… It’s nothing… I’ll sit here… Leonid Andreyevich, it seems, left in a hurry and didn’t put on his fur coat, he left in just his coat… Firs shakes his head anxiously. I didn’t keep an eye on him… Oh, youth is so green! The old man mutters something incoherent, as if trying to grasp fleeting thoughts. Life has flown by, like a dream… as if I haven’t lived at all… Firs lies down on the sofa, closing his eyes. I’ll rest… I have no strength left, completely exhausted… Oh, you… old fool. Firs becomes still, sinking into immobility.

In the silence that follows, the sound of a snapped string rings out, like the moan of a dying soul. Then, the dull thuds of an axe against wood are heard—a symbol of the relentless march of time and the end of an era. The curtain slowly descends.

The Fate of the Characters

• Ranevsky, blinded by love, travels to Paris to her lover, taking with her the money sent by the generous aunt.
• Gayev, trying to find his place in the new world, decides to take a job at a bank.
• Lopakhin, once a serf on these lands, is now the owner of the estate and seeks to cut down the old cherry orchard as quickly as possible to lease the land for dachas.
• Petya Trofimov once again leaves for Moscow to make another attempt to finish his education and get a higher degree.
• Anya leaves with Trofimov, intending to enroll in a gymnasium and find work.
• Firs, forgotten by everyone, remains completely alone in the locked house.

Conclusion

In the play The Cherry Orchard, Chekhov reflects on the era of the decline of the nobility and the uncertain future of Russia, which the cherry orchard itself symbolizes. Through the characters’ images, the author shows the country’s past, present, and unclear prospects. The work also addresses the theme of the conflict of generations and the human inability to adapt to changing realities. This summary of The Cherry Orchard will help the reader become generally acquainted with its theme and idea.