How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line)
Quote #1
Olga: You do look lovely today—you seem really beautiful. And Masha is beautiful too. (1.12)
The women's beauty matters in this society. It affects their romantic opportunities and, therefore, their stability.
Quote #2
Solyony: When a man talks philosophy you get philosophy, or at least sophistry, but when a woman talks philosophy, or two women, all you get is wee, wee, wee, all the way home. (1.46)
Whoa dude. That's not the best way to make yourself very popular in a house run by women.
Quote #3
Vershinin: I don't remember you individually; all I remember is that there were three of you. Three sisters. (1.79)
The title of the play comes from Vershinin's line. And it's a little unfair how it blends the three of them together, but just wait—he'll figure out how to tell them apart once he starts having an affair with one of them.
Quote #4
Irina: Masha, what's the matter? Don't cry—you're so silly. (Almost in tears.) You'll make me start. (1.91)
Crying is contagious for these sisters. How's that for a comment on being ladylike?
Quote #5
Olga: (Coming into the living room.) Well, if it isn't Natalya Ivanovna. How are you, my sweet? (They exchange kisses.)
Chekhov makes gentle fun of women's tendency to be very, very friendly to women they don't like.
Quote #6
Vershinin: You're a strange, wonderful woman. Strange and wonderful. I can see your eyes shining in the dark. (2.44)
Vershinin is attracted by Masha's mystery and contradictions. There's another sweeping generalization of femininity for you.
Quote #7
Natasha: Oh I know what you think—I'm just his mother—but it's more than that, believe you me. He's an extraordinary child. (2.38)
Natasha is the only mother in the play—and isn't portrayed very sympathetically. Of course it's not just her seeing her only child as the most amazing baby in the entire world.
Quote #8
Olga: (Taking a dress out of the closet) Nana, take that gray one…and that one too…and the blouse too…and take this skirt, Nana. (3.2)
In her industry, after the fire, Olga is a model of feminine strength. Being giving may be a stereotype of women, but Olga's charity outstrips them all.
Quote #9
Natasha: (To Irina): Sweetie, that belt doesn't do a thing for you. Not a thing. You need something more stylish, something with a little color in it… (4.148)
Natasha clearly hasn't forgotten Irina's slight about her belt, even though it happened many, many years prior. Now in possession of the house, she feels powerful and superior, decreeing bad fashion sense for all.