Problem: The Cherry Orchard by Chekov is a classic play set in the changing world of Russia during the author's lifetime. While we may think of this nation as one with a history of changing from socialist to communist to (now) a constitutional republic, for hundreds of years before this it was an autocracy ruled by social class. In Chekov's play, we watch a family struggle with the nation's change from a society that saw class lose power to wealth. There are many moments in the play where the audience can see that the family is doomed if they do not act to change. Yet, Liubóv Andréyevna never does anything to prevent the loss of the orchard. Why can't she act?