I'm in mourning for my life.

Masha's reply to Medvedenko's question of why she wears black is a famous line in world drama. Her excessively melancholic response tickles a funny bone with its thoroughly pessimistic philosophy. Her terse and matter-of-fact reply juxtaposed to Medvedenko's eager pursuit of her heart proves funny because of her utter lack of interest in anything, let alone, Medvedenko.

This quotation also provides a sort of thesis for the play, laying the groundwork for an existential theme of questioning life's meaning and purpose which several characters actively seek to answer during the play.