Three Sisters

Anton Chekhov · 1860–1904 · Russia

Originally Tri Sestry (Russian)

Why it matters

Three cultured sisters stranded in a provincial garrison town spend years planning a return to Moscow they never make. Chekhov's fullest study of longing deferred into habit: the desired life recedes exactly as fast as anyone reaches for it.

At a glance

A large ensemble's overlapping, half-finished conversations carry more meaning than the plot.