Social Classes
This class had declining power but often featured prominently in Chekhov’s plays.
Who are the aristocracy?
The aristocracy in 19th century Russia was a significant social class composed of wealthy landowners and prominent noble families.
This family member was typically the head of the household.
What is the Father?
This hot beverage was central to Russian social life and often served from a samovar.
What is Tea?
In 19th-century Russia, this popular accompaniment to tea was a sweet, often fruit-filled baked good, commonly served during afternoon.
What is a pirozhok (small stuffed pastry)?
This vast, cold region in northern Russia is known for its long winters and tundra landscape, making farming difficult.
What is Siberia
The Russian word for this class, which includes doctors and lawyers.
What is the intelligentsia?
The intelligentsia in 19th century Russia was a status class composed of university-educated individuals who engaged in critical thought and shaped the political and cultural landscape of their society. They included scholars, academics, doctors, etc.
Unmarried women were often dependent on these relatives.
What are Brothers?
It was common for friends and neighbors to drop by unannounced for this, especially in the afternoon.
What are Spontaneous Visits?
Bread made from rye was a common accompaniment to Russian meals.
What is Rye Bread?
To protect themselves from the harsh Russian winters, people commonly wore this fur hat with ear flaps that could be tied up or down.
What is a Ushanka?
After the Emancipation Reform of 1861, this former class gained limited freedom but still faced hardship.
Who are The Serfs?
The Serfs in 19th century Russia were primarily peasants who were bound to their landlords in a system known as serfdom. This system, which had existed since the 17th century, was characterized by limited personal rights and forced labor
Marriages were often arranged based on this rather than love.
What is Social Status?
Card games like “preferans” and this popular drinking game were common in salons and drawing rooms.
What is durak?
Durak is a traditional Russian card game that originated in the 19th century during the Russian Empire. It has become one of the most popular card games in Russia.
Guests at all types of celebrations often were expected to enjoy this drink.
What is Vodka?
This traditional Russian garment was a loose-fitting shirt worn by men and sometimes women.
What is a Rubakha?
This growing class included merchants and factory owners during the industrialization of Russia.
Who is the bourgeoisie?
The bourgeoisie refers to the social class that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, primarily consisting of wealthy merchants, industrialists, and business owners.
This gender was expected to run the household, raise children, and maintain the home.
What are Women?
These gatherings were often filled with philosophical debates and petty gossip.
What are salons (or evening socials)?
Russian salons in the first half of the 19th century were the centers of culture.
Before vodka’s rise, this honey based alcoholic drink was popular in Russia and associated with ancient Slavic rituals and celebrations.
What is Mead?
This major river, flowing through western Russia and passing Moscow, was crucial for trade and transportation.
What is the Volga River?
Chekhov’s characters often belong to this middle class, such as teachers or government clerks.
Who are the Petite Bourgeoisie?
Petite bourgeoisie is a term that refers to a social class composed of small business owners, shopkeepers, merchants, artisans, etc.
These two social institutions reinforced traditional gender roles.
What is The Church and The Family?
Russian women often took part in this afternoon activity, considered both educational and genteel.
What is needlework?
This hearty beet-based soup, often served hot or cold, was a staple in Russian diets and is known for its vibrant red color.
What is Borscht?
This natural disaster, common in parts of Russia with harsh winters, could devastate crops and disrupt peasant life.
Severe Frost