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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 does Telegin bring with him as he and Astrov return home, slightly drunk?

2. Who does Yelena admit to being interested in as she and Sonya talk about relationships?

3. ___________ sees that Vanya is drunk and tells him it's unfitting for someone his age.

4. Astrov talks about whether people of today will be remembered, and Marina says that _______ will remember.

5. Where does the Professor want Yelena to look for a particular book the following day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Yelena say when Vanya comments that she staggers as she walks from sheer laziness?

2. What does the Professor tell Marina as soon as he walks into the house without being let inside?

3. What does Vanya announce to everyone when he walks into this second scene of the play?

4. What does Astrov admit to Yelena in reference to his feelings about Sonya when Yelena asks him?

5. What does Sonya say has been happening while Vanya has been living his illusions?

6. What does Yelena tell Vanya he should do after he begins to complain that he's had just about enough of himself?

7. What are some of the things Sonya suggests Yelena do if she is really as bored as she seems?

8. What does Vanya think about the Professor's life now that he has gotten older?

9. What is odd about the Professor's appearance according to Astrov and Vanya?

10. Why doesn't the Professor want the two women to go and to leave Vanya alone with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It's pointed out that Vanya used to have convictions, but he doesn't seem to have any anymore.

Part 1: Do you think it's important for a person to have convictions? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think Maria is concerned that Vanya doesn't have convictions anymore?

Part 3: Do you think you have convictions right now? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The character of Vanya is one that seems to be looking for attention much of the time, always thinking that others aren't noticing him.

Part 1: Why do you think Vanya wants more attention in this play?

Part 2: Do you think Vanya deserves to have more attention than he is given within the play?

Part 3: How do you think the play might be different if Vanya was more confident in himself?

Essay Topic 3

There is some discussion amongst literary reviewers and critics that this play is actually an example of society at that time in Russia, with the characters portraying the various classes.

Part 1: Why do you think the author decided to create a play to talk about social issues?

Part 2: Do you think plays have the ability to change society as a whole? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you agree that the play is a representation of society at that time? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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