The Cherry Orchard

I thought the plot of the most recent play we read The Cherry Orchard presented some very interesting concepts. I believe the most interesting concept is that this play could be interpreted through both a dramatic and tragic point of view. While reading the play, there are lots of elements that definitely add comedic value. For instance, the parties and champagne drinking are always accompanied by comic lines by the characters. For instance, in the beginning of the play on page 284, Firs is celebrating the return of Luibov and her daughter Anya he explains, "Young flibbertigibbet...They're all back from Paris... In the old days they went to Paris too... had to go the whole way in a horse and buggy..." He is using fun language and laughing and joking with all of the other characters giving that moment a very light and happy mood. He again uses the word "flibbertigibbet" on page 300 after talking about the good old days but at this moment it isn't quite as happy. This word was used in two completely different concepts and coveys two different moods each time it is used.

Despite the moments of comedic scriptwriting in the play, the overall plot of the play left me feeling like this was definitely a tragedy. The ending is quite depressing in my opinion and i was a little bit confused why the author chose to end the way on such a low note. Although the author gives you reason to think that the play might end up happy and the orchard might be able to stay standing, it ends up being chopped down and everyone has to leave. I don't understand why this play is entitled "The Cherry ORchard / Comedy in Four Acts" when it ends on such a depressing note. I was very confused. Otherwise I felt like this was a really good play and I enjoyed reading it.