General Introduction
Cherry Orchard is a play by Anton Chekhov which is featuring the effects of the revolution that was taking place in Russia. The play was first performed in 1904. Chekhov is considered to be a realistic as well as a naturalistic playwright. Before discussing about this play as a naturalistic play, first, we have to make it clear what is naturalism.
Naturalism is an advance form of realism that depicts a realistic story that is an outcome of the past of the characters or the environment in which they grew. Naturalists believe that social conditions, family system and environment help a person in shaping his or her character. Although both realism and naturalism are interlinked with each other, yet there are some differences between the two. Realism only paints a realistic picture of the present life in keeping with the literary requirements and techniques while naturalism gives a philosophical pessimism. Realistic literature gives an outward glance on the outward life of the characters while naturalism gives an overview of the domestic life of the characters.
Characters are Lifelike
A Naturalistic Play is rather incomplete without characters that represent the actuality of life. Cherry Orchard is no exception. The characters in Cherry Orchard can be divided into two kinds, each representing his or her own sphere of life. But their dependency changes as time changes. For instance, The Loupov family represents the declining model of the aristocratic class who once ruled the forefathers of the serfs like Lopakhin. The character of Lopakhin, on the other hand, shows the surge of the working class and their independence from the masters once they used to obey. So, the characters in this play are exactly like the people of that era.
Importance of the Characters' Past
This is the central point that distinguishes a Naturalistic play from a realistic play. In a naturalistic play, the presence of the dramatic personages is determined and governed by the events taking place in the past. In Cherry Orchard, past is vividly portrayed as a governing force for the present of the characters despite their class differences. For example, the Loupov family is running out of money because they spent lavishly on minor occasions and consequently, they ran in debt. On the other hand, Lopakhin amassed wealth through the means of hard work and business mind. So, Lopakhin's dedication and Lyobov's unchecked spendings in the past made their present pleasant and miserable respectively.
References to Off-Stage Events
Since events in a naturalistic play is governed by the past, there are many references to many off-stage events that have either taken place in the past or in the present. In Cherry Orchard, we see the references to many off-stage events like the Russian revolution, Lyobov's kindheartedness to Lopakhin when he was scolded by his father; Lyobov's lavish spendings for her 'lover' and her taking care of him during his illness in France; serfs working in fields in past. But the significant event that is referred in this play is the auctioning of the Cherry Orchard that is announced by Lopakhin.
Naturalistic Plays are set in Domestic Setting
Realistic literature portrays a picture that usually involves the setting of an outer place, like A Tale of Two Cities that gives almost a coherent view of the French Revolution from the perspective of an outer world. But a naturalistic play gives the inner picture of the outcomes and aftermaths of a happening. Being a naturalistic play, Cherry Orchard exhibits a domestic output of the Russian Revolution. We see its influence in the form of how the dismal financial conditions of Lyobov compelled her to sell her cherished Cherry Orchard that distinguished her family from the rest of the aristocratic people in Russia. Also, the setting of the play is domestic because the events in this play take place in the domestic background.
The Play ends Upon Some Problems Unsolved
Cherry Orchard ends on the auctioning of, well, the Cherry Orchard. The Lyobov family successfully acclaims enough money for their debts to be cleared. However, some problems remain unsolved like what will the Lyubov family do when the money received in exchange of the Cherry Orchard runs out. Will Lopakhin ever propose Anya.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov gives an advanced version of realism that depicts the inner consequences of a happening that is worth shaking the set routine of life. So, this play is rightfully a naturalistic play.
