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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 does Tusenbach try to make peace with although it doesn't seem to be successful?

2. Who is responsible for the answer to #24?

3. Who pours the tea when the samovar arrives?

4. Where exactly is the sisters' mother buried?

5. Who does Solyony joke about being dead, shot by him in 25 years?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is the sisters' mother buried?

2. What is the setting and the time of the opening of Act 3, Part 1?

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

4. What happens a year ago to the day at the opening of the play?

5. What does Natasha search for in this scene?

6. What does Tusenbach tell Irina to ask the servants to do?

7. Who seems to be going out, as indicated by their style of dress in the opening of this scene?

8. Where does Olga long to be?

9. What are some of Irina's complaints to Olga when Olga arrives in the scene?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Faith is something that also pervades this play, showing up in moments where the characters feel they have to persevere as they believe in something better.

Part 1: How do the male characters in this play experience or share their ideas of faith with each other and with the reader/viewer?

Part 2: How do the female characters in this play experience or share their ideas of faith with each other and with the reader/viewer?

Part 3: What does this play seem to offer about faith? Is it a worthwhile thing or something that only leads to disappointment? 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

Irina seems to be a sister with a lot on her mind throughout the play.

Part 1: Describe the character of Irina.

Part 2: Compare and contrast Irina to Olga

Part 3: What kind of character does Irina seem to be? Does she seem like a hopeful character? Why or why not? What does her presence seem to say about the idea of dreams?

(see the answer keys)

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