View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dorn's job?

2. Which character does Arkadina say is a celebrity?

3. What blows behind the stage?

4. Who does Sorin say is a tyrant?

5. What does Arkadina say she smells?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the characters say about Constantine's work when he is gone?

2. Why is Madame Akadina unhappy with Peter?

3. What does the dead seagull symbolize?

4. How does Peter react to Illya treating his sister so badly?

5. Why are Simon and Yevgeny so poor?

6. How does Boris react to Madame Arkadina's insensitive comments?

7. What do Boris and Nina say to each other before Boris leaves?

8. Why would Boris prefer to stay on the estate?

9. Why does Peter think he must be gravely ill?

10. How does Masha think she can forget Constantine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the difference between a character driven play and a plot driven play? How does Chekhov develop his characters to create a story? What are the main elements of a character driven story?

Essay Topic 2

Pick two characters from the play and discuss their goals and motives. Do they achieve their motive? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

Compare American and Russian culture.

What are the differences between the two cultures?

In what way have the two cultures influenced each other?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 604 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample