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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 is the name of the child over whom Natasha worries excessively?

2. Who has not paid any rent in months according to Masha and Irina's conversation?

3. Kulygin is glad that _________ loves him and he continues to say this throughout the play.

4. Solyony jokes that _______ is made of cockroaches.

5. To whom does Andrei propose marriage in the end of the scene, almost spontaneously?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Natasha chatter about when she comes into this scene?

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

3. Where is the sisters' mother buried?

4. What is Masha angry about in relation to her brother?

5. Where does Olga long to be?

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

7. When Tusenbach says he knows Irina does not love him, how does she respond?

8. What is the crude joke Solyony makes about children?

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

10. What does Olga suggest Irina do in order to regain some happiness in her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of loneliness is one that seems to float into each scene of the play. Each character seems to have their own definition of how they experience this separation from others.

Part 1: Choose two characters who have experienced loneliness and describe their experiences.

Part 2: Does loneliness seem to strengthen these characters or weaken them? Support your answer.

Part 3: What does Chekhov seem to be saying about loneliness in its effect on the sisters? Is loneliness a good or a bad thing?

Essay Topic 3

Andrei is the brother to the three sisters of the title of this play. But while his role may not be as large, it may be more important.

Part 1: Describe the character of Andrei as he is revealed in the play.

Part 2: Do you think Andrei chose the life he created for himself or were there other reasons for him to be in the life situation he chose?

Part 3: Do you feel sorry for Andrei in this play? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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