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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 notes that the Professor is fine as she sips her tea after Astrov points out he came to see the Professor?

2. When Yelena talks to Vanya about his quarreling ways, he starts talks about her ___________.

3. What is Marina knitting when the scene opens during the first act of the play?

4. Who asks Telegin to begin playing music, though he is quickly told not to by another character?

5. Where is the beginning of Act Two set as the play opens again?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vanya think about the profession of the Professor?

2. What does Marina recall as she is trying to answer the question of how long she and Astrov have known each other?

3. How does Astrov describe the project that he has been working on when he walks into the room?

4. What are some of the reasons Vanya gives for not being able to sleep at night?

5. Why does Vanya protest the announcement and the decision the Professor makes in his announcement?

6. What is the announcement the Professor makes to the characters in this scene?

7. What is Maria's comment about the new pamphlet she is reading from a writer she likes?

8. What is the other function of Vanya's bedroom in the opening of this final act of the play?

9. What is the memory that Astrov becomes lost in as he is talking with Marina?

10. What is painful for Vanya when he looks at Yelena, according to his own words as he is drunk?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The storm seems to be a symbol of the anger and frustration in the group of people in the play.

Part 1: Why do you think a storm is a good representation of conflict amongst people? Or isn't it?

Part 2: Do you think the group of people changes after the storm passes? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think Chekhov decided to use the storm in the play versus another event?

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

At many points of this play, the characters seem to be ready to argue with each other over even the littlest things.

Part 1: Why do you think the characters feel the need to argue so often?

Part 2: Why do you think the characters don't talk about things in a calmer and more reasonable manner?

Part 3: How might the play change if people were to speak to each other in a more mature fashion?

(see the answer keys)

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