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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. Who says again that life will never change when they are discussing the idea of what will be in 200 years?

2. Who seems to have a hearing problem as evidenced by the need for other characters to repeat themselves?

3. Who is the 'lovesick major' the sisters used to tease with that nickname?

4. Who does Tusenbach feel sorry for, as he seems to change moods depending on who he is with?

5. What is said to be far away, though no one knows why?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who recalls how beautiful the sisters' mother used to be?

2. What is the subject of Vershinin's long speech?

3. What is Ferapont demanding of Andrei?

4. Name the Prozoroff sisters.

5. What does Masha do as she is reading, which prompts Olga to tell her to stop?

6. Who believes that life ultimately has no meaning?

7. Why doesn't Natasha want the maskers to come?

8. What is heard as Olga calls everyone to lunch?

9. What does Solyony's anger cause him to reveal?

10. What does Tusenbach tell Irina as he kisses her goodbye?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What's interesting about this play is that the men are just as flawed as the women in their actions and in their ideas.

Part 1: Compare and contrast the emotional natures of the men and the women in this play.

Part 2: Does it seem the men are 'typical' men or are they different from the stereotypical male characters? If they are different, explain how. if they are the same, explain that answer.

Part 3: Does Chekhov seem to be saying that the sexes are equal in relation to their experience of life? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The idea of dreams is one the pervades this play. Everyone has dreams, and few realize them.

Part 1: What are the dreams of each of the characters?

Part 2: What does Chekhov seem to be saying about the idea of dreams and their relevance to happiness?

Part 3: What are some dreams which are realized in the end of the play? Are any truly realized?

Essay Topic 3

The role of the army is one that continues to be seen throughout this play, whether in the lives of the characters or in the background of other events which take place.

Part 1: How is the army and the military revealed in this play?

Part 2: Does the military life seem to be one that is positive of negative? Support your answer.

Part 3: In the end, does the military seem to be a positive influence in the play? Does it seem to create hope or misery for the characters? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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