What does Charlotte's dog eat in The Cherry Orchard?

What does Charlotte's dog eat in The Cherry Orchard? - briefly

In Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," Charlotte's dog, Aphonia, is known for its peculiar diet. Aphonia is often seen consuming walnuts, which is an unusual food choice for a dog.

What does Charlotte's dog eat in The Cherry Orchard? - in detail

Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" is a renowned play that delves into the themes of social change, nostalgia, and the inevitability of progress. Among the various characters, Charlotte Ivanovna, often referred to simply as Charlotte, is a enigmatic figure with a unique background and eccentricities. One of her notable eccentricities is her pet dog, which she treats with a peculiar diet.

Charlotte's dog is not a typical pet; it is a small, shaggy dog with a distinctive appearance. The diet of this dog is as unusual as its owner. Charlotte feeds her dog a variety of unconventional foods, which adds to the overall eccentricity of her character. The dog's diet includes items such as:

  • Small pieces of bread soaked in tea.
  • Scraps of meat, often leftovers from Charlotte's own meals.
  • Occasionally, small pieces of fruit, such as apples or pears.
  • Charlotte also gives her dog small amounts of milk, which she believes helps in maintaining the dog's health.
  • One of the most unusual items in the dog's diet is a type of herbal tea, which Charlotte brews herself. She believes this tea has medicinal properties and benefits the dog's overall well-being.

Charlotte's approach to feeding her dog is reflective of her unconventional lifestyle and her belief in alternative remedies. She often mixes traditional and non-traditional elements in her daily routines, and her dog's diet is no exception. This eccentricity adds depth to her character, making her a memorable figure in the play.

In addition to the physical diet, Charlotte also engages in peculiar behaviors with her dog, such as teaching it tricks and involving it in her daily activities. These interactions further emphasize her unique personality and her deep attachment to her pet. Charlotte's dog, through its diet and the care it receives, becomes a symbol of her idiosyncratic nature and her resistance to the changing world around her. The dog's diet, though seemingly trivial, serves as a microcosm of Charlotte's broader approach to life, highlighting her individuality and her refusal to conform to societal norms.