Der Kirschgarten symbolises what we're all pursuing: living eternally in a safe, warm and cosy environment, in a childlike memory. But that is an illusion. The play describes the transition from a harmonious community towards a completely individualised capitalist society. People have an incredible need for harmony, but they degenerate into self-destructive egocentric individuals. It is Tsjechov's credit for having already understood many years ago that people will always carry on their vain struggle against the changing of society.