The Cherry Orchard Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Julius West's translation.

Quote #7

LUBOV. Look, there's my dead mother going in the orchard ...dressed in white! [Laughs from joy] That's she. (1.164)

Just when we want to strangle Lubov for refusing to face reality, Chekhov gives her a heartbreaking moment like this.

Quote #8

TROFIMOV. For it's so clear that in order to begin to live in the present we must first redeem the past, and that can only be done by suffering, by strenuous, uninterrupted labour. Understand that, Anya. (2.149)

Trofimov's view of the past is completely contrary to Lubov's. Life on the estate was not beautiful and idyllic – it was unjust.

Quote #9

LUBOV. To look at the walls and the windows for the last time. ...My dead mother used to like to walk about this room. (4.129)

Lubov and Gaev can't stop recounting memories as they prepare to leave the house.