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Uncle Vanya, Act 4 summary

Act 4 of 4 · 13 min to read the act

In Act 4, Voitski returns Astroff’s stolen morphine after Sonia pleads with him, makes peace with Serebrakoff, and resumes the accounts as the visitors depart. Helena and Astroff part with a kiss, while Sonia answers her uncle’s continuing misery with faith in endurance, work, and rest beyond death.

What happens

  1. Marina welcomes the prospect of regular household routines, while Telegin reports that he hides Voitski’s pistol in the cellar.
  2. Astroff demands his missing morphine, and Sonia persuades Voitski to return it rather than surrender to despair.
  3. Helena refuses to stay, admits affection for Astroff, takes his pencil, and kisses him before leaving.
  4. Serebrakoff and Voitski exchange forgiveness, and Serebrakoff departs with Helena.
  5. Sonia and Voitski resume the accounts, and Astroff leaves after accepting vodka from Marina.
  6. Voitski confesses his misery, and Sonia comforts him with her belief in divine compassion and rest after death.

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In this act

VoitskiSoniaAstroffHelenaSerebrakoffMarinaMme. VoitskayaTheme: Unreturned affectionTheme: Work and endurance

What to notice

Sonia answers Voitski’s misery with endurance rather than a promise of immediate happiness. Her closing speech connects that endurance with work and religious hope.

Quick check

What persuades Voitski to return the morphine?

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