ABSTRACT
Chekhovs Uncle Vanya is a comedy that explores the dejection and disillusionment of a whole host of characters who come together on a country estate. Vanya has been managing the estate for his brother-in-law Professor Serebryakov, who takes the profits and leaves nothing in return. Vanyas resentment is complicated by the infatuation he feels for the professor's young, beautiful wife Yelena. In fact, all of the men in the play, including the rational Dr Astrov, are attracted to her languorous charms and all of the women are in her shadow. Tensions reach a head when Vanya tries to shoot the professor. The status quo is uneasily restored at the end of the play as the professor and Yelena depart the scene, leaving Vanya and his niece Sonia behind, resigned to endure their lot. Yelena is the catalyst for all the wild emotions that erupt during the course of the play.
