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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 Rakitin, which character has recently been "constantly irritated"?

2. In Act 2, Part 1, who reports having burst into tears unexpectedly?

3. Who says that talking to Rakitin is like "making lace"?

4. What is the name of Kolya's horse?

5. How long has Beliayev lived in Natalya's household?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Natalya say to Rakitin, "It's wrong to put one's life in chains"? What does she mean?

2. Why does Natalya believe that it's improper for Vera to be in the garden by herself with Beliayev?

3. What is the question that Natalya asks Rakitin in Act 1, Part 1, and why does he spend so much time thinking about it?

4. Describe the relationship between Natalya and Rakitin, as it stands in Act 1, Part 2.

5. Why does Rakitin mention Beliayev's new coat in Act 5, Part 2?

6. In her soliloquy in the middle of Act 3, Part 3, how does Natalya assess her relationship with Rakitin and with Beliayev?

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

8. What is the advice Shpigelski gives Bolshintsov regarding wooing women?

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

10. In Act 1, Part 2, how does Shpigelski respond to the question, "How are you?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the cultural view of marriage in the play. Which characters act within the cultural expectations regarding marriage? Which ones do not? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship of Katya and Matvey and how it parallels the relationships of other characters.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of foreshadowing in the play, using specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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