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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. What color does Masha dress in?

2. What blows behind the stage?

3. What 1973 play does Shamraeff mention?

4. Which two Russian writers does Trigorin mention?

5. What does Sorin say Arkadina should not handle so roughly?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peter react to Illya treating his sister so badly?

2. Why does Madame Arkadina not want to stay at the estate?

3. How does Boris react to Madame Arkadina's insensitive comments?

4. How does Madame Arkadina complement Nina?

5. Why does Madame Arkadina say she cannot give her son money to travel?

6. What is the setting of the second act?

7. Why is Illya enraged that Madame Arkadina wants a horse?

8. What is the weather like at the beginning of the fourth act?

9. What do the characters say about Constantine's work when he is gone?

10. How does Constantine's play open?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do Simon and Masha get married if they are not both in love? In what way does Chekhov suggest that union could prove destructive? What effect could such marriage have on children?

Essay Topic 2

How has Madame Arkadina's tightness with money affected those close to her? Does Madame Arkadina have a responsibility to those close to her?

Essay Topic 3

Examine Chekhov's writing style. How would you describe his style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? What meaning does his style give to the story?

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This section contains 562 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample