Customs of the Time

Anton Chekhov wrote Uncle Vanya in the late 19th century, during a period of significant social and economic change in Russia. The play is set in a provincial estate, reflecting the struggles of the Russian gentry and the growing sense of stagnation among the intelligentsia. Understanding the customs and expectations of this era provides insight into the behaviours and tensions present in the play.

One key aspect of 19th-century Russian society was its rigid social hierarchy. The characters in Uncle Vanya navigate expectations of deference and decorum, particularly in their interactions with Professor Serebryakov, who, despite being an aging and ineffective intellectual, is still treated with a level of respect due to his academic status. Vanya, for example, initially holds back his true feelings, only later exploding in frustration when he can no longer tolerate the professor’s self-importance. This delayed confrontation aligns with societal expectations that one must show respect for social superiors, even when resentment is brewing beneath the surface.

Greetings and modes of address in Uncle Vanya also highlight societal norms. Russian etiquette dictated a formal approach to greetings, often including titles and patronymics (middle names derived from one’s father’s name) to show respect. Throughout the play, characters refer to each other in ways that signify their relationships and status. For example, Sonya addresses her father formally, calling him "Papa," while others refer to him as "Professor" or "Alexander Vladimirovich," maintaining a respectful distance. This reflects the hierarchical nature of Russian society, where individuals were often addressed according to their position rather than their personal qualities.

Privacy was another deeply ingrained expectation in Russian country estates, yet it was also limited due to the communal nature of rural life. Estates functioned as small, self-contained worlds where multiple generations and servants lived in close quarters. This lack of privacy is evident in the play, particularly in the way characters eavesdrop or intrude upon one another’s spaces. Yelena, for instance, cannot escape the watchful eyes of the household, leading to tense encounters such as when Vanya professes his feelings for her. Similarly, Astrov’s presence at the estate is constantly observed, with Sonya subtly monitoring his interactions with Yelena. These moments emphasise how personal affairs were often subject to public scrutiny, leaving characters little room for true solitude.

The use of space in Uncle Vanya further underscores the lack of privacy and the blending of personal and professional spheres. A notable example is the professor’s room, which also serves as his office. This reflects the way estates functioned as both living and working spaces, particularly for those who managed them. The overlap of these functions symbolises the intrusion of academic and intellectual pursuits into the daily lives of those who maintain the estate. Vanya's frustration is heightened by the fact that the professor, despite his supposed intellectualism, contributes little of tangible value, while others, like Vanya and Sonya, bear the brunt of the labor. The office-room dynamic also represents the shift in power within the household—where authority is maintained not through contribution but through status.

Other examples of spatial tensions include:

Astrov using the estate as both a place of work and leisure, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal escape.
Vanya’s lack of a defined private space, reinforcing his feeling of being trapped and unable to assert control over his own life.
The professor’s demand for comfort within a household where others sacrifice, symbolising the imbalance of labor and entitlement.

Gender roles also play a significant role in shaping the characters’ experiences. Women in this period were expected to be demure, self-sacrificing, and resigned to their social roles. Sonya, for example, embodies these ideals; she tirelessly works on the estate, represses her feelings for Astrov, and ultimately resigns herself to a life of quiet suffering. In contrast, Yelena represents the more privileged class of women, whose beauty and status afford her the luxury of passivity. When Vanya confronts her about her perceived idleness, it reflects the frustration of those who work tirelessly while others, protected by their class and gender, escape responsibility.

These social customs and expectations deeply influence the dramatic tension in Uncle Vanya. The characters are bound by rigid traditions that prevent them from fully expressing their desires or escaping their fates. Through their interactions, Chekhov paints a picture of a society caught between the past and an uncertain future, making Uncle Vanya a poignant reflection of its time.