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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. Whom does Natalya call "Mr. Detective"?

2. According to Natalya, what is one of nature's primary characteristics?

3. According to Islayev, what object is "like a miniature tornado"?

4. Which female character takes snuff?

5. Who plans to be Natalya's partner in "educating" Beliayev?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rakitin mention Beliayev's new coat in Act 5, Part 2?

2. Describe Rakitin's plan for solving Natalya's predicament regarding Beliayev.

3. Describe the setting of Act 4, Part 1, and how the characters use it.

4. Describe what happens between Matvey and Katya at the beginning of Act 2, Part 1.

5. Why does Natalya say to Rakitin, "It's wrong to put one's life in chains"? What does she mean?

6. Why does Natalya suddenly seem to consider Shpigelski's matchmaking possibility at the end of Act 1, Part 3?

7. Why is Islayev surprised to find Natalya and Rakitin in the hallway in Act 4, Part 3?

8. Why does Katya insist that Beliayev take all her raspberries?

9. According to his soliloquy in Act 4, Part 2, what does Beliayev think about the events that have transpired with Natalya and Vera?

10. Summarize Natalya's soliloquy at the end of Act 3, Part 3, regarding her immediately preceding conversation with Beliayev.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship of Katya and Matvey and how it parallels the relationships of other characters.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Shpigelski's behavior around his patients, particularly the wealthy patients such as Natalya, with his perception of himself, as stated to Liza in Act 4.

Essay Topic 3

How are characters' alliances formed and broken during the play? Who normally allies with whom? How do unusual pairings affect events? Explain, defending your position with specific evidence from the text.

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