Skip over navigation  The Seagull  Anton Chekhov  First half of
Act One  Themes, Motifs, and Symbols  First half of Act One,
page 2  page 1 of 2  It is after sunset and a make-shift,
homemade stage stands in the outdoor setting of Sorin's
provincial, Russian estate and farm. A lake serves as natural
scenery behind the stage. Workers including Yakov are banging
nails into the stage, behind a curtain. Medvedenko and Masha
enter this back lawn of Sorin's property. Medvedenko and Masha
debate about what makes people happy in relation to finances.
Medvedenko believes he'd be a happier man and a more attractive
suitor to Masha if he had more money. Masha is fixated on her
love for Treplev and does not agree. She thinks poverty would be
fine if she could have Treplev's love. Masha observes that
Treplev's play will begin soon. Medvedenko agrees and introduces
to the audience the information that their neighbor, Nina, will
star in the play. Medvedenko compares Treplev and Nina's love,
which he predicts will soon be un