Introduction: Anton Chekhov's play Uncle Vanya depicts complicated relationships between several characters with quite distinct personalities. Staged in the nineteenth century, Chekhov's drama of everyday life emphasizes the conflict between his characters through language, set design, sound effects and costumes. Thesis Statement: It is interesting to note that many aspects mentioned above are based on powerful symbolism: it is a key factor that not only shapes Chekhov's characters but also influences the rhythm of the work. To that end, this essay will analyze and interrogate a key use of symbolism in Uncle Vanya: The Fourth Act. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayBackground: The introductory instructions before the fourth act describe the intriguing decor of Voynitsky's (Uncle Vanya) bedroom: “On the wall, a map of Africa, apparently of no use to anyone” (Chekhov, 595). But why is such a map of Africa found in a Russian rural estate? Chekhov deliberately includes this striking detail in the scene to demonstrate how boring it is for Vanya to manage the estate. The map plays an important role as a symbol of Vanya's wasted “useless” life for no one” (Chekhov, 595) and of the general uselessness of all the character's lives. Thematic sentence: in the play, Uncle Vanya has been managing the estate as a professor for over twenty-five years. Evidence and quotes: he gave up his share of the inheritance, he sacrificed opportunities to pursue personal wealth and develop a professional career and dedicated his youth to working on the estate to pay off the mortgage. Furthermore, Uncle Vanya admires the professor. For example, the following sentence demonstrates how you consider the professor a valuable figure with the utmost respect: “During the day we talked about you and your work. We were proud of you. We have spoken your name with reverence” (Chekhov, 592). Comment: Unable to establish his own self-worth, Vanya is obsessed with his contribution, dedication and sacrifice to support the professor's study. Although, at some points, he considers what he has done for true happiness, the cruel fact is that he has wasted his life in vain. Topic Sentence: The futility of his efforts on the estate is revealed when the professor suggests selling the property. property. Evidence and quotes: Unlike Uncle Vanya, the professor is presumptuous, because he never considers what Vanya has done for him. As the professor says: “How could I know? I am not a practical man and I understand nothing of these things” Chekhov, 592), Vanya's efforts and sacrifice are completely ignored. Falling into a spiral of anger, indignation and remorse, Vanya can't help himself; shoots the professor twice. However he misses both shots. Unfortunately, Vanya's love for Yelena is also meaningless. Despite Vanya's affection and desire for Yelena, Yelena does not love him. Vanya sacrificed his best hours; now, for Yelena, he is just an old farmer who has worked all his life, without achieving anything. Comment: He has no social status, no money, and his physique is no longer full of youthful vigor. It is not surprising that his love confession is rejected. The result of everything Vanya does is meaningless or wasted, just like that map of Africa in Russia, which symbolizes futility. Thematic sentence: It is evident that in Uncle Vanya's relationships with the Professor and Yelena, he is continually placed in a subordinate position that is comparable to that of a slave. Evidence and Quotes: His personal self-denial towards the Professor and his selfless love towards Yelena leave him helpless, as both individuals do not care for him,,.