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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 takes a lot of pictures when he arrives, as he always does?

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

3. Who thinks it's useless to know so many languages?

4. What does Masha warn Chebutykin not to do as he has embarrassed himself in the past?

5. What is going on during this particular time period of the scene?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Tusenback reveal to Masha?

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

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

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

6. What is the rumor that is bothering Irina?

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

8. What has Andrei been chosen to do by Protopopov?

9. Who believes that life ultimately has no meaning?

10. What does Natasha search for in this scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The ending of the play leaves the reader/viewer wondering if the sisters will every be truly happy in their lives.

Part 1: Describe the last scene of the play, what happens, and what the sisters are feeling.

Part 2: Do you have hope for the sisters at the end of the play? Why or why not?

Part 3: In terms of the family connection, do you think that's the only thing that matters in the end of the play? Why or why not? What does this ending seem to tell the reader/viewer about hope, about love, and about dreams?

Essay Topic 2

The family relationship is one that also seems important in this play, both in its presentation and in its effects on others.

Part 1: Describe the family relationship in this play. Who is involved?

Part 2: What importance do the parents of the sisters seem to have for their current experience? How do the dead parents affect the sisters now?

Part 3: Does Chekhov seem to be saying that family is all you need? Why or why not?

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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