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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. Which character says he loved the sisters' mother?

2. Who was born and raised in an aristocratic family?

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

4. Whose Saint's Day is it when the play begins, causing her to be the central focus of the scene at first?

5. Who is in love with Masha although it is a bit of scandal that he does?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who seems to be going out, as indicated by their style of dress in the opening of this scene?

2. How has Andrei changed since being with Natasha?

3. Where is the final act of the play set?

4. What does Andrei do in the background throughout the scene?

5. What does Natasha search for in this scene?

6. What does Natasha chatter about when she comes into this scene?

7. Where is the entire military contingent being posted?

8. What is heard as Olga calls everyone to lunch?

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

10. What does Olga tell Anfisa to do in response to the news in #38?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of dreams is one the pervades this play. Everyone has dreams, and few realize them.

Part 1: What are the dreams of each of the characters?

Part 2: What does Chekhov seem to be saying about the idea of dreams and their relevance to happiness?

Part 3: What are some dreams which are realized in the end of the play? Are any truly realized?

Essay Topic 2

Olga is a curious sister in this play, with many unique attributes and ideas about life.

Part 1: Describe the character of Olga.

Part 2: Compare and contrast Olga to Natasha.

Part 3: Summarize the events which take place in Olga's life during the play. What do her experiences have to say about who she is and what her importance to the play is?

Essay Topic 3

Solyony is aggressive in his profession of love for Irina, but the reader gets the sense that this may not be as honest as it seems.

Part 1: In what ways does Solyony profess his love for Irina?

Part 2: Do you believe Solyony really loves Irina? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Solyony is capable of love? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 573 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample