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

Short Answer Questions

1. Yelena notes that someone like Astrov is like the bright __________ rising in the midst of the darkness.

2. What are some of the characters afraid that Vanya is going to do while he is off by himself?

3. Who comes into the scene, watching the others, though no one else notices this character?

4. Astrov says that his work shows a clear picture of decline brought by _____________, by ignorance, and by a total lack of awareness.

5. Sonya says that she has ___________ and urges Vanya to do that same.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Various characters at various times talk about how they regret many things they have not done.

Part 1: Why do you think the characters are suddenly regretting things in the course of this play?

Part 2: Do you think a person should express their regrets? Why or why not?

Part 3: How might one avoid having regrets in one's life? Is this an impossible task?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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