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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is going through her clothes for things to give to the victims?

2. Who says he got married in hopes of being happy?

3. In how many duels has Solyony already been?

4. Who moves into the school when she became headmistress?

5. Who does Natasha say looks tired, which is a statement she has made before about the same character?

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

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 meaning of life is something that also begins to emerge as a theme in this play. Each character is searching for something, but what that 'something' is remains to be clear at times.

Part 1: What is Olga's sense of the meaning of life? How has she defined what makes her life worth living?

Part 2: What is Masha's sense of the meaning of life? How has her definition changed before and after Vershinin?

Part 3: What is Irina's hope in life causing her to do? She has hope for the future, but does that hinder her search for meaning or help it? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 340 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample