The Absence of a Father in Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard

• Main Authors: Hsu, Lih-jia, 許立佳
• Other Authors: James S. Fu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1998
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/68297145530729201267

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 外國語文學系 === 86 === Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860-1904) is considered a significant modern dramatist whose plays are the representatives of Realistic works. Hedepicts the Russian families with lifelike description and lyrical atmospherewhich are his dramatic characteristic. However, some critics think that hisplays are plotless and even purposeless. The critics want to find out Chekhov's authorial opinions or statements from his works, but they cannot besatisfied with his submerged ideas and fragmentary demonstrations. Nevertheless, other critics appreciate Chekhov's writing traits because theyexplore his concern and sympathy for people with realistic description. Thethesis also provides a different way of understanding his plays by discussinghis dramatic device, the absence of fathers. It implies the Russian people'sdesires for maternal care and warmth. Besides, since the paternal powersuggests authorities, the absence of fathers signifies the absence of centersand authorities. The thesis focuses on the example of "The Cherry Orchard,"which is considered the most representative fatherless play among his fourmajor plays. Under the influence of the absence of fathers, the characterspresent their individual voices. Through the play, there are no authorialopinions but full of emotional and lifelike communciations with the past.