In Anton Chekhov’s play, “The Cherry Orchard,” the cherry orchard is more than just a piece of land—it is a symbol of Liubov’s past and her family’s wealth. Through this symbolism, we learn much about Liubov and her relationship with her home.
The cherry orchard was purchased by Liubov’s father, who had intended it to be a place where his family could enjoy themselves for years to come. It is clear that it holds much significance for Liubov as it was the place she grew up and spent many happy days with her family.
The fact that Liubov’s family owns such an expansive estate is indicative of their wealth and status within society. This is further supported by the fact that they employ a full staff of servants who cater to their needs. The estate also serves as a reminder of how much has been lost over time due to financial mismanagement—which leads to its eventual sale at auction towards the end of the play.
Throughout the play, there are several moments where characters interact with each other while enjoying activities on the cherry orchard such as picking cherries or sledding down hills. These moments serve as reflections of time passing and how life moves on despite our efforts to remain rooted in one place. For example, even though Lyuba desperately tries to save her childhood home from being sold at auction, time passes and eventually she has no choice but to accept her fate and move on.
