Many of the characters in The Cherry Orchard pinball between "there" and "here" in futile efforts of escape. Lubov runs from her unhappy relationship in Paris, believing that Russia will offer her stability and comfort. When she realizes that home in Russia is just as unstable as abroad, maybe more so, she runs back. Her servant Yasha shares her desire to leave, but he only wants a one-way ticket – from his peasant background to the good and lazy life in Paris.
Questions About Contrasting Regions
- Why does Chekhov choose Paris as the setting for Lubov's other life?
- Of all the characters, Yasha seems to be the most certain that he wants to return to Paris. Why?
- Why does Lubov return to Russia in the first place?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
At the beginning of the play, Anya finds Paris inhospitable and Russia the only place to be. Trofimov expands her field of vision, igniting in her a desire for travel.
Dunyasha seeks Yasha's attention hoping that his sheen of worldliness will rub off on her.