How does Chekhov portray the cultural experiences of people of low rank in this passage? He shows that they depend on their superiors' approval and heap praise on their superiors to curry favor. He shows that they believe their rulers should continue to lead them even when the rulers are no longer in power. He shows that they hope to better their lot in life by proving their value to society. He shows that they are treated disrespectfully by their social and economie superiors.