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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. According to Shpigelski, what is bothering Natalya in addition to her nerves?

2. According to Schaaf, what is the "thief of time"?

3. According to Rakitin, which character is "simply an idiot"?

4. Whom does Natalya call "Mr. Detective"?

5. In Act 2, Part 3, which character is jealous of Natalya's affections?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what Rakitin means by this line: "What does all this mean? Is it the beginning of the end, or the end itself? [...] Or is it the beginning, perhaps?"

2. Describe the progress of the game that Schaaf, Anna, and Liza are playing.

3. What makes Rakitin so happy in Act 1, Part 2?

4. When Natalya interrupts the conversation between Vera and Beliayev in Act 4, Part 2, how does she react to Vera's accusations?

5. According to Act 4, Part 3, what is Beliayev's reason for not having been personable with Natalya previously?

6. Why does Shpigelski state that he believes Natalya's level of bile is bothering her?

7. Describe the difference between Rakitin's and Islayev's plans for Rakitin to leave.

8. Describe Rakitin's plan for solving Natalya's predicament regarding Beliayev.

9. Why is Rakitin reading The Count of Monte Cristo aloud?

10. Why does Shpigelski pretend to be witty and cheerful around his patients?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how Turgenev uses minor characters for comic relief in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of youth versus old age, including specific examples of its occurrence in the play.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the role of Katya and the setting in which she has a modicum of control.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 652 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample