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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. Which character says the first line in Act 3?

2. Whom does Natalya suddenly remember at the end of Act 3, Part 1?

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

4. About whom does Shpigelski tell a story in Act 1, Part 2?

5. Which novel did Beliayev translate?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Beliayev reject Vera's suggestion that he call her Verochka?

3. How does Shpigelski's song at the end of Act 4, Part 1 relate to Natalya's problem with Beliayev and Vera?

4. Describe Beliayev, according to Natalya's report in Act 1, Part 1.

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

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

7. Why does Natalya insist to Shpigelski that Vera is still a child?

8. Why did Islayev never previously intervene in the relationship between Natalya and Rakitin?

9. 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?"

10. What does Rakitin think about in his soliloquy in Act 2, Part 2, and what conclusions does he reach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of jealousy in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the significance of Katya and Anna in propelling the plot forward.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Rakitin's willingness to help Shpigelski match Vera and Bolshintsov with his willingness to help Natalya overcome her infatuation with Beliayev.

(see the answer keys)

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