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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. Where is Marya's family from?

2. What do some people say about Hanov?

3. What does the principal tell Marya when she tries to discuss her grievances about the watchman?

4. With whom does Hanov live?

5. Where does Marya feel Hanov should move to rather than live in such a "God-forsaken, dreary place" (6)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Marya think of on the cart at the start of "The Schoolmistress"?

2. What news from Moscow does Semyon tell Marya he heard at Ivan Ionov's tavern?

3. Which of Marya's coworkers does she try to get dismissed and what comes of it?

4. What does Marya think of the school inspector?

5. What does Marya Vassilyevna do for work? How long has she had the occupation? Where is she going at the start of "The Schoolmistress"?

6. What did Hanov do at Marya's school the year before the story takes place?

7. What does Marya think of Hanov as their cart follows his?

8. What do readers learn of Marya's past at the start of "The Schoolmistress"?

9. What is the only thing Marya keeps from her past?

10. Describe Hanov.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Chekhov's language style and word choice in "The Schoolmistress." What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the symbolic significance the character’s economic status has on the story. Why is this important and how does it develop the themes of the story? What would be different if Marya were wealthy or if Hanov were not? Use examples from the text to support your viewpoint.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing Marya’s inner thoughts while riding in the cart. What does she think about? Why? What does this say about Marya and her life?

(see the answer keys)

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