Characters in The Three Sisters spend a good bit of time dreaming and scheming about how to make tomorrow better than today, usually for themselves but sometimes for the whole of humanity (good for them!). The sisters long to return to Moscow, which, in this play, is a distant Shangri-la full of fun and excitement, not to mention smarter, better-looking men. Among many of the characters, there seems to be an agreement that while their own lives may be a bit lackluster, they must keep working to secure a better future for the generations to come.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Which characters achieve their dreams in this play, if any?
- Why does Chekhov choose to portray disappointment in all four of the Prozorovs? Is he making a statement?
- Vershinin believes in progress—that we shouldn't worry about achieving our own dreams, just lay the groundwork for others. How does his philosophy apply to this family?
Chew on This
Natasha's and Vershinin's approaches to the future are polar opposites. Natasha looks after only her own genes, while Vershinin considers the progress of society at large.
Irina is an eternal optimist who easily reframes her dreams.