Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov. Short summary

5 seconds

With the arrival of the owner of the estate and his new wife, the life of Uncle Vanya, a humble steward and relative, changes. Ivan Petrovich realizes that he is not appreciated, and years of work have been wasted.

1 minute

The retired professor Serebryakov, who achieved his position thanks to his father-in-law, settles in the country estate with his young wife Elena and his daughter from his first marriage, Sofia. His late wife’s brother, Ivan Petrovich Voynitsky, manages his sister’s estate, but Serebryakov introduces new rules which are incomprehensible and disagreeable to the manager.

Voinitsky, who has worked all his life for his family, feels deceived. Uncle Vanya is in love with Elena, but she likes Dr. Astrov, who treats her husband. Sonya is also in love with the doctor, but is embarrassed by her unattractiveness. The professor wants to sell the estate, which belongs to his daughter, and leave for the city.

Ivan Petrovich is indignant — he has supported his son-in-law for many years, denying himself everything. He is supported by Sofia, who also worked for her father. Uncle Vanya, in a fit of rage, shoots the professor, but misses. The Serebryakovs prepare to leave. Voynitsky makes peace with his son-in-law and promises to send money the old-fashioned way. He and Sonya return to their neglected work.