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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. To whom does Irina comment about Masha's bad mood?

2. How long ago did the family leave Moscow to come to the provincial area where they are now settled?

3. Who makes the comment that all children should be cooked and eaten?

4. Who is the one sister who wouldn't be able to go back to Moscow?

5. Who do they say is going to be a professor one day because he is so smart?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is the sisters' mother buried?

2. Where does Olga long to be?

3. What is Natasha worried about in relation to Sophie?

4. What does Tusenbach explain to Irina he has to do before he comes right back?

5. What is the subject of Vershinin's long speech?

6. How has Andrei changed since being with Natasha?

7. What does Olga suggest Irina do in order to regain some happiness in her life?

8. Why is Natasha embarrassed when she sees Solyony?

9. Where is the first act of the play set?

10. What is Masha angry about in relation to her brother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The family relationship is one that also seems important in this play, both in its presentation and in its effects on others.

Part 1: Describe the family relationship in this play. Who is involved?

Part 2: What importance do the parents of the sisters seem to have for their current experience? How do the dead parents affect the sisters now?

Part 3: Does Chekhov seem to be saying that family is all you need? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What's interesting about this play is that the men are just as flawed as the women in their actions and in their ideas.

Part 1: Compare and contrast the emotional natures of the men and the women in this play.

Part 2: Does it seem the men are 'typical' men or are they different from the stereotypical male characters? If they are different, explain how. if they are the same, explain that answer.

Part 3: Does Chekhov seem to be saying that the sexes are equal in relation to their experience of life? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Faith is something that also pervades this play, showing up in moments where the characters feel they have to persevere as they believe in something better.

Part 1: How do the male characters in this play experience or share their ideas of faith with each other and with the reader/viewer?

Part 2: How do the female characters in this play experience or share their ideas of faith with each other and with the reader/viewer?

Part 3: What does this play seem to offer about faith? Is it a worthwhile thing or something that only leads to disappointment? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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