The dramatic works of Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) present the actions of ordinary people. He avoids any explicit political treatment, but the depth and subtlety of his art has generated a wealth of interpretation. His representation of human relationships is infinitely sympathetic, and each play contains at least one character who expresses Chekhov's hopes for a brighter future. The Cherry Orchard and Three Sisters was first published in this translation in 1951. The Seagull, Uncle Vania, The Bear, The Proposal and The Jubilee were first published in this translation in 1954.