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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. To whom does Marya give the money she collects from her students?

2. What does Marya often return home from school with after a long day?

3. What are some things Marya thinks about after daydreaming about being Hanov's wife?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing the narrative structure of "The Schoolmistress." What effect does this have on the story and the reader? Use direct examples from the story to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 666 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample