Chekhov managed to capture a modern life and modern situations in his classic play that could have easily taken place in our age. The interesting and captivating situations and characters he creates are relatable in such a way that enables to me draw my own conclusions and relate to my own life.
For example; Chekhov's choice of Ranyevskaya placing sentimental value onto the orchard due to the memories linked with the location, is something that occurs in practically every situation. Everyone person to live in the world - myself included- will have placed sentimental value on something (may it be an object, place or person) and then valued it above practicality. Much like Ranyevskaya who values the fact the estate holds so many memories over the fact that if they sold it, they would be able to pay off all their debts. This is cleverly used by Chekhov as this further creates a personal link between myself and the text as I relate greatly to her character and the situation she is in.
I personally feel sympathetic towards Ranyevskaya's character as she's experienced multiple losses due to the death of loved ones in such a short period of time. It seems as though her character tries to find refuge from her emotions in the familiar setting of the estate, yet is reminded of her son's death with the return of his tutor. It seems as though she can't escape from her problems not matter how hard she tries and I think Chekhov uses this effectively to almost portray that no one can run away from their demons, she's going to have to face them and be practical about the situation, otherwise they're never going to stop chasing her. She's obviously struggling to accept the emotional upheaval and so it creates an aura of sadness surround her and her character's actions. By creating this character, Chekhov manages to engage me further into the play as I almost hope for a positive resolve for her character.
Another aspect I really like that Chekhov used is his use of contrast and contradiction within his characters. For example; Gayev is a caring and kind uncle and brother but can almost come off as snobby towards those who aren't part of his class. He's 50 years old but his actions often echos those of a child. I find this aspect interesting and captivating as it creates a deeper and more layered personality of the characters.
Chekhov explores many different types of relationships throughout The Cherry Orchard, ranging from family relationships to romantic. The different relationships further establish the personal link between the audience and the characters as they're able to find comfort in relationships we can easily relate to. I also find this really interesting as it almost shows that no matter when, these relationships will always exist, whether it be in 1904 or in 2014.
Chekhov manages to mix both the tragic and comedic elements through the play, rather than sticking with the tradition of either tragedy or comedy. This expands the amount of emotions he's able to explore throughout the play as he doesn't need to restrict himself to just tragic emotions or just comedic emotions. This causes the audience to feel an array of emotions whilst experiencing the piece, creating a deeper and richer response.
The play ends leaving the audience with a large sense of loss due to the selling of the orchard. Although they are able to solve their money problems, many of the characters are unhappy with the outcome. I felt quite a bit pity towards the characters as they had to give up the estate, something they valued so highly, in order to pay off debts. It's almost Chekhov is presenting the idea that society will always value practicality over sentimentality, money over love. This is another aspect that can easily be translated from 1904 into 2014, almost suggesting that this mentality has, and maybe will never change. The play ends on a depressing note with the death of Firs, as he's left forgotten and behind. Chekhov's use of symbolism and choosing to let Fir's die, gives the play the sense of finality and a clean finish, tying up loose ends for the audience that may have been left open. Chekhov uses his character's death to represent the estate and that with Fir's death, the estate and the orchard's story, dies with him.
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