The three sisters in Chekhov's masterful drama rely on evaporating dreams of a better life in Moscow to cope with the disappearance of the aristocracratic life in rural Russia which has always sheltered them. Disappointment with their brother, a stupidly tragic death and extramarital liaisons all drain away their enjoyment of life; yet somehow, even as their military companions and their very home are taken away from them, they emerge with hope remaining. (less info)