Final answer:
Varya's relation to Mrs. Ranevsky in Anton Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard' is that of an adopted daughter. While not biologically related, Mrs. Ranevsky has raised Varya as her own, illustrating the themes of family and social change within the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the relationship between Varya and Mrs. Ranevsky. This question pertains to the characters in Anton Chekhov's play, The Cherry Orchard. Varya, also known as Varvara, is the adopted daughter of Mrs. Ranevsky.
Although not her biological child, Mrs. Ranevsky has raised Varya and considers her part of the family. The character of Varya is often seen as anxious about the family's financial situation and their ability to keep the estate which includes the cherry orchard, a symbol of their declining aristocratic status.
Throughout the play, Varya's adoption and her relationship to the family highlight the complexities of social status, family ties, and the impending changes that come with the end of an era for the Russian aristocracy. As an adopted child, Varya's role and prospects are different from those of her stepsister, Anya, who is Mrs. Ranevsky's biological daughter.