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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 was born and raised in an aristocratic family?

2. Which character says he loved the sisters' mother?

3. How old is the character of Vershinin?

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

5. Which character says that teaching gives her headaches, becoming one of the many complaints this character has?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Natasha embarrassed when she sees Solyony?

2. What does Masha sarcastically comment when Natasha enters the room with a candle?

3. What does Chebutykin reveal to Irina in the end?

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

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

6. What is Andrei's dream, according to him?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Solyony is aggressive in his profession of love for Irina, but the reader gets the sense that this may not be as honest as it seems.

Part 1: In what ways does Solyony profess his love for Irina?

Part 2: Do you believe Solyony really loves Irina? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Solyony is capable of love? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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