A commonplace day
The life of a Russian landowner has certain peculiarities, but does not differ much from the life of any other landowner. In the first act, this everyday routine is masterfully depicted by the author: “a card-table in the centre of the room” and few characters are playing preference. The other one, and it is Natalya Petrovna herself, “is embroidering on canvas” and Rakitin sitting next to her “with a book in his hand”. This image shows in full how rich people lead their lives in the country – in complete absence of care.
Beliayev
Beliayev is a young teacher; Natalya Petrovna gives him a short description: “I like him. Thin, well made, merry eyes, something spirited in his face. . . It's true he is rather awkward . . . and you [Ratikin] think that dreadful.” That’s how she explains Beliayev to Ratikin. The image helps to portray the teacher better, and shows that Natalya Ptrovna’s interest in him is beyond professional.
Nature
Nature images are perhaps not characteristic of the typical play, but in A Month in the Country the author appeals to a nature-oriented background. In one of the scenes, Natalya Petrovna asks Ratikin to open the window and exclaims “How lovely it is in the garden!” and adds “How I welcome the wind! It seems to have been waiting for a chance to burst in. How completely it's taken possession of the room. . . . There's no turning it out now”. The image of a beautiful garden and refreshing wind bursting into the room provides a peaceful atmosphere.
