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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. For what does Beliayev want to buy gunpowder?

2. What is Beliayev's favorite part of a newspaper?

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

4. How many sisters does Beliayev have?

5. Which two types of tree does Rakitin compare in Act 2, Part 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Natalya insist in Act 3, Part 2, that Vera imagine her as a sister?

2. According to Act 2, Part 1, why do Vera and Beliayev get along so well? Explain.

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

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

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

6. 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?"

7. Summarize Beliayev's response to Natalya's revelation that Vera is in love with him.

8. Why does Liza say at the end of Act 5 that she, too, will be leaving?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Explain why Islayev and Anna are so upset and confused when they see Natalya crying with Rakitin.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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