The precision and poetic logic of the language used by Anton Chekhov in his plays, particularly "The Sea Gull," can be explored through an analysis of his use of dialogue, characterization, and imagery. Measuring the nature of a relationship, rather than providing a direct literal interchange, the dialogue is both social, when individual expression is subordinated to the various voices of the group, and private, when one of two individuals has an opportunity for lengthy self-expression. Through the language expressed in the play, the characterization develops the interaction between the character's self-presentation and his or her situational context, demonstrates the dissonance that occurs between what a person says and what is known about him or her, demonstrates complementary tendencies within a particular character, and establishes characteristic modes of communication for each individual. Existing within the dimension of time, the imagery possesses communicative immediacy, reveals the spiritual life of a character, and functions as a communicative device when it provides shared meaning with other characters. (MAI)