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 #1
LOPAKHIN. The train's arrived, thank God. What's the time?
DUNYASHA. It will soon be two. [Blows out candle] It is light already. (1.1-2)
The first line of the play gives us a lot of information. We don't know who Lopakhin is, but we know that a train has brought something he desperately wants. And that he's anxious about time. The situation of the play – saving the orchard before time runs out – is hinted at very early.