The experience of decoding Chekhov's symbols through connection with folklore when studying the play «The Cherry Orchard» in college

Abstract

In this article, the author examines a lecture lesson on literature for college students. Literature is a general education subject, while this discipline contributes to the development of analytical abilities, the formation of the ability to build logical chains, and draw conclusions. Also, lectures on literature help to increase students' interest in Russian culture, expand interdisciplinary ties, and promote cultural patriotism. The article presents methodological recommendations for conducting a lecture session on the study of A.P. Chekhov's play «The Cherry Orchard». As practical experience shows, it is often difficult for students to understand the meaning of the final scene of the work, when Firs is forgotten in an empty house; it is difficult to explain the interpretation of the knock of an axe on wood as something sinister. Everyone understands what is ominous, but not everyone will explain why we decode this sound in this way. There are also symbolic images in the play that literary critics somehow avoid, for example, the image of the moon, keys. «The Cherry Orchard» is the last, dying play by A.P. Chekhov, and he left for us, descendants, a work filled with meaning, encrypted and encoded in images-symbols, in sounds, in meaningful remarks. Chekhov always counted on an intelligent, thoughtful reader and did not like to give the text in open form, encouraging the reader to find semantic landmarks on his own. Therefore, for students who do not have much experience in reading and understanding literary works, the play «The Cherry Orchard» is difficult. The task of the teacher is to give students a key to decode encrypted messages. Folklore is suggested to be used as such a key.