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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. When Yelena tells Vanya it's a nice day, what does Vanya say that it is a nice day to do?

2. What does Vanya's mother do as everyone else is talking during the scene after she enters?

3. Astrov gives his word to Sonya that he will not ___________ anymore as they are talking.

4. Vanya notes that he used to idolize _________, though he does not anymore.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. When does Astrov believe a woman can become a friend of a man?

6. What does Sonya say she will tell Astrov in order to get him to come into the room?

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

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

9. What does Vanya go out to do in order to make Yelena feel better?

10. Why does Sonya send Marina off as Maria sits down and reads during this opening scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The scene in which Vanya tries to shoot the Professor is a dramatic one, though it does not result in death or even in change.

Part 1: Why do you think Vanya tried to shoot the Professor, twice, in this scene?

Part 2: Do you think Vanya intended to hurt the Professor? Why or why not?

Part 3: What else might Vanya have done to persuade the Professor? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Vanya seems to be a person who likes to have new things to talk about, new things to consider.

Part 1: Why do you think Vanya always wants to talk about new things?

Part 2: What is so bad about talking about the same things again and again?

Part 3: Would you rather talk about new things or old things? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In this play, there are instances of love that has gone unrequited, though some of the people know about the feelings others have for them.

Part 1: Why do you think these characters have hesitated in being with the ones they truly love?

Part 2: Do you think it's too late for these lovers to do anything about their feelings? Why or why not?

Part 3: What might have happened in the play if everyone was with the person they loved?

(see the answer keys)

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