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Cherry Orchard, A Doll's House, And Galileo - General Analysis

      In the plays The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, A Doll's
House by Henrik Ibsen, and Galileo by Bertolt Brecht, the
protagonists' mental beliefs combine reality and illusion that both
shape the plot of each respective story.   The ability of the
characters to reject or accept an illusion, along with the foolish
pride that motivated their decision, leads to their personal downfall.

        In The Cherry Orchard, by Anton Chekhov, Gayev and Miss
Ranevsky, along with the majority of their family, refuse to believe
that their estate is close to bankruptcy.   Instead of accepting the
reality of their problem, they continue to live their lives under the
illusion that they are doing well financially.   The family continues
with its frivolous ways until there is no money left (the final night
they have in the house before it is auctioned, they throw an
extravagant party, laughing in the face of impending financial ruin)  
Even when Lopakhin attempts to rescue the family with ideas that could
lead to some of the estate being retained, they dismiss his ideas
under the illusion that the situation is not so desperate that they
need to compromise any of their dignity.

Lopakhin: As you know, your cherry orchards being sold to pay your
debts.   The auction is on the twenty second of August.   But theres no
need to worry, my dear.   You can sleep soundly.   Theres a way out.  
Heres my plan.   Listen carefully, please.   Your estate is only about
twelve miles from town, and the railway is not very far away.   Now all
you have to do is break up your cherry orchard and the land along the
river into building plots and lease them out for country cottages.  
Youll then have an income of at least twenty-five thousand a year.
Gayev: Im sorry, but what utter nonsense!
(Later in the Dialogue)
Mrs. Ranevsky: Cut down?   My dear man, Im very sorry but I dont
think you know what youre talking about....
Lopakhin: If we cant think of...