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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. The story describe Marya's life as aging her, "making her ugly, angular, and awkward, as though she were made of" (8) what?

2. What does Marya think mostly of in regards to her job?

3. What does Semyon say to the man who begins swearing at the tavern?

4. What does Marya imagine she would do for Hanov if she was his sister or wife?

5. Whose job is it to light the stove on cold days at Marya's school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Semyon hears a man swearing at the tavern?

2. Where do Marya and Semyon go when they stop at Nishneye Gorodistche and how is it described before they enter?

3. What do Hanov and Semyon discuss after riding through a very wet road?

4. How is Marya's school described on cold, winter mornings?

5. How is the inside of the tavern in Nizhneye Gorodistche described?

6. What are three of the obstacles Semyon encounters on their journey despite trying to find the "driest and shortest way" (9)?

7. Describe what Marya would do in her class on days the Zemstvo or school guardian were present?

8. What does Marya think about when she smells alcohol on Hanov as they ride their carts?

9. How does Marya feel about her role as schoolmistress?

10. What does Marya collect money from her students to pay for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a brief essay analyzing the theme of happiness and unhappiness in “The Schoolmistress.” Is Marya mostly happy or unhappy? Why? When is she happy? When does her happiness vanish? What characters appear happy in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay comparing and contrasting Hanov and Marya in "The Schoolmistress." What details help develop their character and what do these details tell you about them? What is their background? How do they know each other? How do they interact? In what ways are they similar or different? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring the title of “The Schoolmistress.” The story was initially published under the title “In the Cart.” Discuss why the author chose each title and why you think the title was changed.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 696 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample