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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. What game does Irina play when she is sitting by herself at the end of the scene?

2. Whose Saint's Day is it when the play begins, causing her to be the central focus of the scene at first?

3. Who was born and raised in an aristocratic family?

4. Who rushes into the room and checks herself in the mirror, showing her obsession with herself?

5. Who has come to the sisters' house with a message from the council?

Short Essay Questions

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

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 has Andrei been chosen to do by Protopopov?

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

6. What does Anfisa announce when she arrives at the beginning of Act 1, Part 2?

7. Who are now married and have a child together?

8. What are the sisters celebrating when the play begins?

9. Why can't Chebutykin help Andrei with his shortness of breath?

10. What is the new job Tusenbach reveals he will start soon?

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

Within this play are many examples of the number '3' - not just in the title itself. The relevance of the number '3' seems to indicate a pattern within this play and within the lives of its characters.

Part 1: List at least three examples of where the number '3' is shown in the play.

Part 2: What is the significance of the number '3' in this play?

Part 3: What might Chekhov be trying to show the viewer or the reader in using the number '3' so often?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of celebration seems to be one that doesn't necessarily bring joy to the characters.

Part 1: Describe the celebrations that take place in this play.

Part 2: What causes these celebrations to be less than celebratory?

Part 3: Do you think the characters want to have celebrations and joy in their lives? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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