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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 Astrov give as his excuse for quickly leaving when Sonya enters the room?

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

3. Vanya says the Yelena is faithful in her marriage, but her faithfulness is _______________.

4. Who complains they have had just about enough of the Professor?

5. Astrov and Vanya both comment on the beauty of ___________ as well as on the overcoat of the Professor.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vanya tell everyone to do when he finally reenters the scene with Astrov?

2. Why doesn't Astrov leave the scene when Vanya asks him to leave?

3. What does Vanya think the reason is for no one arresting him or charging him with attempted murder?

4. What is Marina doing as she is sitting at the start of the play in a country home in Russia?

5. What is the argument that Sonya gives to Vanya in order to encourage him to give back the morphine?

6. Why does Vanya believe that he is a foolish man after the events of the previous scene?

7. What is Vanya's complaint about his life since the Professor and his wife arrived at the house?

8. What does Vanya announce to everyone else in the room at the beginning of this scene?

9. What does Astrov admit to Vanya when he enters the scene with Telegin?

10. What does Vanya say in his soliloquy about the Professor before the current time and how they supported each other?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The blatant alcoholism of Astrov makes him a character with whom many do not sympathize.

Part 1: Why is Astrov always using alcohol to solve his problems?

Part 2: Do you think alcohol is the only way for some people to handle problems in their life? Why or why not?

Part 3: What else might Astrov do in order to handle the struggles of his life?

Essay Topic 2

Marina notes that God will continue to think about the people of the future, even if the people of the future don't think much of the past.

Part 1: Why do you think the past is so important for Astrov in this play?

Part 2: Why do you think Marina keeps a positive outlook about how people will be remembered in the future?

Part 3: What does this play have to say about the past and the future? Is the play positive or negative about time in general?

Essay Topic 3

Yelena talks about how people destroy other people as well as destroying the forests around them.

Part 1: Why do you think Yelena is quick to point out how people destroy other people?

Part 2: Do you agree that people are quick to destroy each other? Why or why not?

Part 3: What are some reasons people might have for 'destroying' others in their lives?

(see the answer keys)

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