Reality, Illusion and Foolish Pride
             In the play "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov set in Mrs. Ranevsky's estate and " A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen set in Helmers' flat the protagonists shape the story. In both plays the protagonists' mental beliefs combine reality and illusions that shape the plot of each respective story. The ability of the characters to reject or accept an illusion, along with the foolish pride that motivated their decision leads to their personal downfall.
             In the Cherry Orchard, by AntonChekhov, Gayev and Miss. Ranevsky, along with the majority of their family, refuse to believe that their estate is close to bankruptcy. Instead of accepting the reality of their problem, they continue to live their lives under the illusion that they are doing well financially. The family continues with its frivolous ways until there is no money left. One specific example of this is when the family throws an extravagant party on the final night before the house is auctioned off laughing in the face of impending financial ruin. Even when Lopakhin attempts to rescue the family with ideas that could lead to some of the estate being retained, they dismiss his ideas under the illusion that the situation is not that desperate that they need to compromise any of their dignity.
             The inability on the behalf of the family to realize the seriousness of their situation is seen in the passage between Lopakhin, Gayev and Mrs. Ranevsky:
             Lopakhin: As you know, your cherry orchards being sold to pay your
             debts. The Auctions on the twenty-second of August. Here's my plan.... All you have to do is break up your cheery orchard and the land along the river into building plots and lease them out for country cottages. You'll have an income of at least twenty- five thousand a year.
             Gayev: I'm sorry, but what utter nonsense!
             Mrs. Ranevsky: Cut down? My dear man, I'm very sorry but I don't think you know
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