How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
Medvedenko: I'm the wage earner, and all I get is those twenty-three rubles. How am I supposed to buy a drink? Or sugar for tea? Or cigarettes, even? I can't do it. (1.5)
Okay, maybe drinks, sugar, and cigarettes aren't a recipe for happiness, but Medvedenko has a point. Being financially comfortable can afford access to luxuries that might make life a little easier.
Quote #2
Konstantin: And she's stingy. I happen to know for a fact she has seventy thousand in the bank in Odessa, but go ask her for a loan and she has hysterics. (1.26)
Konstantin complains about one of Arkadina's character flaws. Her stinginess provides for a number of comic moments in the play, but it's also a painful reality for her penniless, dependent son.
Quote #3
Konstantin: I left the university after my third year, I'm not talented, I haven't got cent to my name, my birth certificate says I'm from Kiev and was "born into the middle class." (1.30)
Konstantin's poverty and meager social status cripple him with both Nina and Arkadina.
Quote #4
Konstantin: He's not dumb, though; he's not even forty yet and he's already rich and famous, he can have anything he wants. So now he only drinks beer and only goes for older women. (1.32)
Konstantin criticizes Trigorin's uninspiring writing, but clearly admires the way the man has managed to garner success and material comfort.
Quote #5
Medvedenko: How much do choir singers make, do you know? (1.161)
Shamrayev has told yet another boring story about performing artists, but all Medvedenko can think about is his income versus theirs.
Quote #6
Sorin: (Starts to whistle; then, hesitantly) I think the best thing might be for you to…well, to give him some money. (3.40)
Sorin knows what Arkadina's reaction to this request will be. He's sheepish and deferential when it comes to his strong-willed younger sister.
Quote #7
Arkadina: Now wait a minute. I suppose I could get him a new suit, but take a trip…no, I can't even afford the suit right now (Obstinately) I don't have any money… (Practically in tears) I don't have any money! (3.41-3)
Arkadina turns on the waterworks to get her way. She sure doesn't like it when people call her on her stinginess.
Quote #8
Arkadina: Don't forget us, now. (Gives the Cook a ruble.) Here's a ruble. That's for the three of you. (4.118)
Arkadina gives them what amounts to a dollar… to split three ways. No wonder Shamrayev hates her.
Quote #9
Nina: I have to get up early tomorrow morning to catch the train to Yelets, third class, with all the peasants, and in Yelets I have to put up with the attentions of dirty-minded businessmen who claim to love art. What a horrible life! (4.166)
Now a working actress, Nina lives an economically-depressed reality much different than the fame and fortune she imagined for herself.