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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Trofimov tutor?

2. In what month does the play open?

3. How much of a loan does Lopakhin say he will raise for Lyubov for his plan as he exits in Act I?

4. Who attempts to kiss Charlotta's hand but is denied in Act I?

5. How much money does Pishchik ask to borrow in Act I?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Charlotta? What is her position in the household? How is she described physically?

2. What does Lopakhin suggest Lyubov and Gaev do with the estate? Why?

3. Describe Anya's character. How old is she? What color does she wear? How does she feel about her mother and sister?

4. Describe Yasha's character. What is his/her age? What is his/her demeanor? How does he/she relate to other characters in the play?

5. Describe Dunyasha's character. How does she dress? What is she constantly distracted by? Is she dedicated to her job?

6. How is Lopakhin's character different than that of Firs? How are they alike?

7. What events led to Lyubov leaving the estate? When did she leave?

8. Which character had a lover in Paris? What became of this situation?

9. Describe Gaev's character. Who is he/she related to in the play? How? What does this character do persistently that annoys the others?

10. What happened to Lyubov's son? How does she feel about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chekhov was known as one of Europe's most "ecological playwrights." The use of trees and their demise was common in his works. How does this play out in The Cherry Orchard? What events during this time in history would have affected the ecological system in Russia? How does Chekhov use trees in The Cherry Orchard to make his political and ecological viewpoints known?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character arcs of the main characters in The Cherry Orchard. How have these characters changed from the beginning of the play to the end? What has incurred these changes? Do you think the characters have improved their situations? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

How does Chekhov use narrative and exposition within the play? How does this affect the dialogue and action? How is Chekhov's methods for exposition different than other playwrights or authors? Are there writers who use a similar style as Chekhov today?

(see the answer keys)

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