Static In Motion: Examining The Complexities And Contradictions Of Lopakhin In The Cherry Orchard

Anton Chekhov, a notoriously psychotic comedian of comedy and satire, uses The Cherry Orchard to illustrate a group of absurd characters who are unable to change their behavior or identities. Each character seems to be suspended in the pursuit of his/her own interests, making it impossible for them to save the estate orchard. Lopakhin, however, is motivated by the desire to take action and make a difference. His grandfather was a serf, his father a peasant. Lopakhin, however, has grown up richer than any of his relatives. This virtue makes him the symbol of Russia’s new wealth in a democratic and middle-class society. Chekhov says that Lopakhin’s wealth and appearance are not enough to make him a successful businessman. His peasant mentality influences every aspect of Lopakhin’s character. He is pessimistic about life and wants to be successful in business.

Chekhov takes little time to show Lopakhin’s past-trapped character. Lopakhin is the first monologue and displays remarkable self-awareness. He recalls that he is “a pearl purse from a sow’s ear” (Act 1, lines 29). This is because he exposes the contradictions of his nature, which is that poor materials are inherently unsuitable to create something of real quality. An aristocrat from an peasant. Lopakhin, who is in despair, says that he read the entire book but didn’t understand any of it (Act 1, lines 34-35). Lopakhin’s wealth is not enough to make him a success beyond his peasantry. It is striking that Lopakhin does not hide his shame and disappointment about his heritage. This attitude contrasts sharply with other character dialogues. Lopakhin’s tangents are primarily about his father and peasant status. This suggests that he is a character who is not afraid to speak his mind, despite his optimism in business. He is able to control wealth and has the power to change his past, which is quite different from his family’s. His skill makes him the potential hero of the play. He generously lends $50,000 to the family to help them consolidate the orchard’s land and build summer homes. He even identifies with the family and takes their plight personally-especially that of Lyubov, who showed him kindness during his days as a peasant. He then cries, “I Love You Like My Own Blood… More, Even, Than My Own” (Act 1, lines 277-278). Later, he joined the family’s cause by declaring, “Unless We Come Up With a Plan, Unless We Reach a Decision” (lines 326-329). The use of “we,” is quite interesting because it shows concern and identification with people he can relate to on a personal but financial level. He responds with a short, humorous, sarcastic or humorous dialogue to other characters. Also, he often glances at a watch to express his discomfort about business-related issues. He is not motivated by a deep-vested personal interest, but to see the land become one that reflects his vision of “wealth and prosperity [and] happiness.” (Act 1, line 358).

He laments that “all it takes to make a difference is to try and get something done.” (Act 3, lines 343-344). His pessimism over life manifests itself here to criticize his household. It is fascinating to observe, however, that he is criticizing them because he lacks self transformation and movement. A family would have to be proactive in their response to the sale of their estate. This would mean a shift from personal irresponsibility towards responsibility. Aristocracy is a stereotyped group that possesses these qualities. The lower classes are expected to work hard and put in the effort. Lopakhin says that “I cannot live with out work. I don’t even know what to do…my hands are hanging there, just as if they belonged elsewhere” (Act 4, line 37-39). Aristocracy’s practice is characterized by inactive hands. Lopakhin often refers to himself repeatedly as a “just peasant”, incapable of changing his past. But he also criticizes the Aristocracy for not becoming peasantlike through hard labor and earning their money. He is determined to see them change. But he reminds Trofimov and Dunyasha that they are still students.

Lopakhin is a great help to the family, even though he doesn’t like their inaction or apathy. As a reader, the scene in his plea to Lyubov to take action was heartwarming. He warned that he would either cry or scream and then he would fall to the ground in front. It’s too much! You are driving me insane!” (Act 2, lines 164-166) Lopakhin echoes the sentiments expressed by the audience. He states that Lopakhin had clearly devised a plan for saving the orchard and that he’s repeated it several times. However, these pleas have not been received. It is clear that Lopakhin was a good man. He also has business acumen and could have easily made a scam out of the estate. After his many attempts to persuade failed, Lopakhin was able to purchase the estate by bidding $90,000 more than the debt. He would pay such a high price because of the symbolic weight he carries in transcending his peasantry past. He cries with glee and laughs at the sight of the cherry orchard’s new owner. (Act 3, lines 406, 407). Although he has now taken over the property, this hilarious moment shows that his ineptness at navigating its aristocratic connotations is evident.

Lopakhin’s drive to the play is his push for action and the purchase of the estate. But, his identity has not changed by the acquisition. He is like the rest of the characters and is only a part of the suspended characters. He cannot change the fundamental aspects that have made him a peasant forever. Lopakhin still reveals that even after his achievement was recognized, he isn’t going to stay at the estate. His victory was not enough to make a difference.