The Cherry Orchard

The Cherry Orchard

Social class plays a role in this drama. [Hint: examine the treatment of servants and former serfs in the cast, the downward spiral in wealth (and therefore social class) of Madame Ranevskaya and her family, symbolized by the loss of the family estate, as well as the upward mobility of Lopakhin (a child of serfs)]. Keep in mind this play was written in 1904, or thirteen years before the Bolshevik Revolution turned Russia into a Communist state. How important do you think class is to this work? Is it more or less pronounced than in Hedda Gabler? Were there any striking issues of class that you noticed?

You will be graded on:
1. Clear, coherent thesis that ties the paper together and that you focus on throughout.
2. Ability to clearly analyze and compare at least two pieces of literature.
3. Ability to use specific examples from the text and/or quote from text to support the points you make.
4. Proper documentation of sources—to include in-text citations and “References” or “Works Cited” page.
5. Please including correct end references.
6. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax
7. Style
8. Word count—if you are below or above the assigned word count range for that paper, you will lose points. How many you lose depends on how far over or under you are. Please keep in mind: More is not necessarily better. Come up with a thesis to fit the allotted word count.
• Give your essay a title to appear at the top of page one. Paginate, and put your name in the header.
• Double-space your entire essay AND throughout each end “References” entry
• No need to include a title page or abstract