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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. From what book does Rakitin read aloud?

2. In Act 3, Part 1, whose help does Shpigelski solicit in matching Bolshintsov and Vera?

3. What friend has been writing to Vera, hoping that she'll write back?

4. Which character says the first line in Act 3?

5. According to Shpigelski, what is bothering Natalya in addition to her nerves?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the progress of the game that Schaaf, Anna, and Liza are playing.

2. In her soliloquy in the middle of Act 3, Part 3, how does Natalya assess her relationship with Rakitin and with Beliayev?

3. Describe Natalya's thoughts on youth and old age, as presented in Act 2, Part 2.

4. Why is Rakitin reading The Count of Monte Cristo aloud?

5. Summarize the story that Shpigelski relates in Act 1, Part 2.

6. Describe Beliayev's opinion of writers.

7. In Act 1, Part 2, how does Shpigelski respond to the question, "How are you?"

8. For what does Shpigelski ask Rakitin's help? Why?

9. How does Rakitin depict love to Beliayev in Act 5, Part 1?

10. Why does Vera decide to marry Bolshintsov?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of foreshadowing in the play, using specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Contrast Natalya's "cunning" with Beliayev's honesty and straightforward demeanor.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of youth versus old age, including specific examples of its occurrence in the play.

(see the answer keys)

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