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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Natasha carry as she passes through the scene, causing Masha to accuse her of setting the fires?

2. Who does Irina think changes Andrei, a supposition that has upset her greatly?

3. Where is the military being posted, taking them out of town and away from their families?

4. Andrei ask for a key to _________ because saying he has lost his.

5. What does Tusenbach ask Irina to have the servants get ready for him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The setting of the play doesn't change much from beginning to end. This causes the viewer/reader to focus more on the interactions than on the space in which these interactions take place.

Part 1: List the settings of the play.

Part 2: Discuss why Chekhov may have wanted to keep the settings to a minimum. What might this achieve?

Part 3: How do you think the setting, or lack thereof, has affected the mood of this play?

Essay Topic 2

The meaning of life is something that also begins to emerge as a theme in this play. Each character is searching for something, but what that 'something' is remains to be clear at times.

Part 1: What is Olga's sense of the meaning of life? How has she defined what makes her life worth living?

Part 2: What is Masha's sense of the meaning of life? How has her definition changed before and after Vershinin?

Part 3: What is Irina's hope in life causing her to do? She has hope for the future, but does that hinder her search for meaning or help it? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The idea of dreams is one the pervades this play. Everyone has dreams, and few realize them.

Part 1: What are the dreams of each of the characters?

Part 2: What does Chekhov seem to be saying about the idea of dreams and their relevance to happiness?

Part 3: What are some dreams which are realized in the end of the play? Are any truly realized?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 355 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample