SOURCE: Rozik, Eli. “The Interpretative Function of the ‘Seagull’ Motif in The Seagull.” Assaph: Studies in the Theatre, no. 4 (1988): 55-81

In the following essay, Rozik examines the use of the seagull as a symbol in Chekhov's play.

Introduction

The ‘seagull’ metaphor is a focal point within a comprehensive and complex motif which fulfils a crucial role in the structure of the fictional world of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. Therefore, although additional constituent motifs are involved, I shall refer to the entire network in terms of the ‘seagull’ motif.

A thorough analysis of this motif should fully account for the following phenomena:

1. The synthesis of local metaphors into a structural motif affecting the fictional world as a whole;
2. Its interpretative function with respect to this fictional world;
3. Its mixed-media character (verbal and iconic);
4. Justification of this mixed character in terms of the norms of Naturalism.

It is not...