The Cherry Orchard Time 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 #4

LOPAKHIN. [Looks at his watch] I'm going away at once, I haven't much time ... but I'll tell you all about it in two or three words. (1.107)

This is how Lopakhin introduces the idea of chopping down the orchard? By rushing through it in two or three words? Lopakhin's approach points up his frame of reference – so different from Lubov, who is leisurely drinking her coffee.

Quote #5

LOPAKHIN. We shall see each other in three weeks. [Kisses LUBOV ANDREYEVNA'S hand] Now, good-bye. It's time to go. (1.148)

As a representative of the modern, business-minded, time-obsessed world, Lopakhin constantly has to wrangle the lax, old-world Ranevskaya family.

Quote #6

GAEV. And do you know, Luba, how old this case is? A week ago I took out the bottom drawer; I looked and saw figures burnt out in it. That case was made exactly a hundred years ago. What do you think of that? What? We could celebrate its jubilee. It hasn't a soul of its own, but still, say what you will, it's a fine bookcase. (1.127)

Gaev's speech to the 100-year-old cabinet may be silly, but it reminds us of the history of the estate and how much has changed in the last century.