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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 is gaining weight according to the observations of the other characters in the play?

2. Who says again that life will never change when they are discussing the idea of what will be in 200 years?

3. Who becomes tearful by how old Vershinin looks?

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

5. Who makes the comment that all children should be cooked and eaten?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Natasha want the maskers to come?

2. What does the maid come in and tell Natasha?

3. What does Kulygin do when he enters at the beginning of this scene?

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

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

6. What do Irina and Olga talk about in relation to Moscow and their living situation?

7. Who talks about how much he loves Irina?

8. What is Ferapont demanding of Andrei?

9. Where is the sisters' mother buried?

10. Who believes that life ultimately has no meaning?

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 character of Natasha is often a catalyst for other characters in the story, or at least a focus point for criticism.

Part 1: Describe the character of Natasha.

Part 2: What do the sisters each think of Natasha? Do you feel they are well-founded in their ideas about her?

Part 3: Why do you think Natasha is so concerned about her children? What does this say about Natasha's confidence in herself and in the world?

Essay Topic 3

The many men who covet the sisters seem to indicate that love is an unpredictable thing, and that love can not always be contained within a marriage.

Part 1: List the married couples in the play. Are they happily married? Why or why not?

Part 2: List the lovers in this play. Are the lover relationships more or less satisfying to the characters? Why or why not?

Part 3: What does Chekhov seem to be saying about the idea of love in relation to the structure of being a married couple?

(see the answer keys)

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