Chekhov's Seagull

[Giampaolo Gandolfo]

    All who are familiar with Chekhov's Seagull will remember Nina's monologue in the first act, where she talks about the time when all living beings will be long dead and only "mirovaja dusha" wil be left.
What I would like to know is whether Chekhov is aiming at symbolist ideas (perhaps in ironic tone) and if there is any specific critical literture about this passage.
    May I recall that another mention to "mirovaja dusha" is in Act 4 of the same paly, when Dr. Dorn says that  when one strolls amidst the crowd in Genoa is bound to beleive that it really exists.
    I will be grateful to anyone willing to share ideas and comments about the above (directly or thru Seelangs).
        Thank you.
                        Giampaolo Gandolfo
                        University of Trieste (Italy)
                        gianpaolo.gandolfo at fastwebnet.it

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