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trisaiznisa's review
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
katisha93's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gabbuz's review against another edition
3.0
Uncle Vanya did it. He wasted his life away by missing opportunities and chasing illusions. But it’s not only him — the other characters did the same.
Uncle Vanya is a popular story not only among theatre people. Some may have heard about it because of the film that came out recently. Other’s may know it from Family Guy’s show. And many, including myself, have chosen to read it just because they are hooked on Chekhov’s work.
The story revolves around Alexander Serebrakoff and his relatives’ lives. Alexander is an old, retired professor who has married a young and very attractive woman named Helena. Being so stunning, she bewitches other men — Alexander’s son-in-law and a private doctor. Sonia, Alexander’s daughter, dreams to marry the doctor; but she isn’t attractive. There is a lot of tension between the characters — it leads to someone attempting a murder.
The story was interesting to follow because of the love drama, but it won’t stay with me. The themes of wasted life, monotony and delusional thinking are great to make you rethink your life, but are unexciting to read. I shall give the play another chance by watching it.
“HELENA. What a fine day! Not too hot. [A pause.]
VOITSKI. A fine day to hang oneself.”
Uncle Vanya is a popular story not only among theatre people. Some may have heard about it because of the film that came out recently. Other’s may know it from Family Guy’s show. And many, including myself, have chosen to read it just because they are hooked on Chekhov’s work.
The story revolves around Alexander Serebrakoff and his relatives’ lives. Alexander is an old, retired professor who has married a young and very attractive woman named Helena. Being so stunning, she bewitches other men — Alexander’s son-in-law and a private doctor. Sonia, Alexander’s daughter, dreams to marry the doctor; but she isn’t attractive. There is a lot of tension between the characters — it leads to someone attempting a murder.
The story was interesting to follow because of the love drama, but it won’t stay with me. The themes of wasted life, monotony and delusional thinking are great to make you rethink your life, but are unexciting to read. I shall give the play another chance by watching it.
“HELENA. What a fine day! Not too hot. [A pause.]
VOITSKI. A fine day to hang oneself.”
andyblv's review against another edition
4.0
Chekhov’s characters and dialogue are superb. The interwoven storylines, small cast and slow-paced plot make for a self-contained intensity. Murakami references this play in “Drive my Car” and he doesn’t do it by happenstance. The themes of aging, loss and loneliness are mirrored in both stories.
factoid's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
4.25
… as an offering of peace. I’m going to present you with a bouquet of roses, which flowers I have had the foresight to’ve obtained this morning. Autumn roses. Sad roses. For you.
jinkis_grrrl's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Not interesting. Dull and slow. I don't know why it's so famous and widely lauded.
cowboyveebop's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
boring i do not care about russia
odd_biscuit's review
4.0
This has been one of my favourites since the mid-90s. Good to read the text now and both remember performances I've enjoyed and let my imagination run with it. Powerful. Wonderfully written.