Cherry Orchard

Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory

The beautiful white orchard means different things to different people. It represents Lubov's heritage and her youth – a disappearing paradise. For Gaev, it's a symbol of status, mentioned in the encyclopedia. For Lopakhin the cherry orchard is complicated; his attachment to Lubov makes him want to save it, while his memory of a difficult childhood urges him to destroy it. It's also a financial opportunity. Trofimov sees the orchard as a symbol of injustice, because of the way the aristocrats treated the peasants before the emancipation of the Serfs, and Anya gives up her sentimental attachment to it for a new life.