In both of Chekhov’s dramas, the characters are undone by their decision to cling to long-standing illusions and notions rather than accept and embrace change. Chekhov’s Three Sisterswas written during a period of great change in Russia. The working class was rising in independence and stature and threatening the lifestyle to which the aristocracy had become accustomed. The sisters, who represent the aristocracy, are all unwilling to embrace the changes that are rapidly occurring...
In both of Chekhov’s dramas, the characters are undone by their decision to cling to long-standing illusions and notions rather than accept and embrace change. Chekhov’s Three Sisters was written during a period of great change in Russia. The working class was rising in independence and stature and threatening the lifestyle to which the aristocracy had become accustomed. The sisters, who represent the aristocracy, are all unwilling to embrace the changes that are rapidly occurring around them. Unable to move forward, they fall victim to the changing times. Andrei’s new fiance (and later, wife), Natalia, is an excellent embodiment of this rise of the bourgeoisie. Although the sisters see her as loud, crass, ill-mannered, and tasteless, by the final act, it is Natalia who has triumphed over them all. The Cherry Orchard presents a similar clash between the rising middle class and the upper class. This time, it is Madame Ranevsky who refuses to relinquish her family’s cherry orchard to the merchant Lopakhin, even though this will mean the loss of her family’s estate.
Ibsen was also a dramatist of social commentary, demonstrating through Hedda Gabler the inherent vulnerability of the upper classes, whose own pretentious notions put them at risk. In A Doll’s House, he examines the rigidity of roles, particularly those for middle-class women, and the dangers of living a life outside of those societal expectations.
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