1.
Who is Medvedenko in the play?
Correct Answer
A. A poor schoolteacher
Explanation
Medvedenko is a poor schoolteacher in the play. He believes he would be a happier man and a more attractive suitor to Masha if he had more money. His character represents the struggles of the lower class in society, and his unrequited love for Masha adds a layer of complexity to his character.
2.
Where is the play set?
Correct Answer
B. On a farm
Explanation
The play is set on Sorin’s provincial, Russian estate and farm. A lake serves as natural scenery behind the stage. The setting provides a tranquil backdrop to the unfolding drama, symbolizing the peace and simplicity of rural life that contrasts with the complex emotions and conflicts of the characters.
3.
Who is Treplev in the play?
Correct Answer
A. The son of famous actors
Explanation
Treplev is the son of famous actors in the play. He longs to be accepted by his peers, the writers, actors and other artists who comprise the Russian intelligentsia and artistic elite based on his own work. His struggle for recognition and acceptance underscores the theme of ambition and the quest for identity in the play.
4.
Who does Treplev tell that Arkadina is jealous of his play?
Correct Answer
B. Sorin
Explanation
Treplev tells Sorin that Arkadina is jealous of his play and hates it before she has seen it. This reveals the strained relationship between Treplev and his mother, Arkadina, and sets the stage for the ensuing conflict in the play.
5.
Who interrupts the performance of Treplev’s play?
Correct Answer
D. Arkadina
Explanation
Arkadina rudely interrupts the performance of Treplev’s play several times by talking out loud to her friends in the audience. Her actions reflect her dismissive attitude towards Treplev’s work and her inability to appreciate his artistic vision, further deepening the rift between them.
6.
Who does Nina meet for the first time at the play?
Correct Answer
C. Trigorin
Explanation
Nina meets Trigorin for the first time at the play. Arkadina laughs at Nina’s awe of Trigorin’s role as a creator. This encounter marks the beginning of Nina’s fascination with Trigorin, which plays a significant role in the unfolding drama.
7.
Who argues about the use of the horses?
Correct Answer
A. Shamrayev and Arkadina
Explanation
Shamrayev and Arkadina argue about the use of the horses. Arkadina wants to use them later in the day to go into town, but Shamrayev has them out in the field and will not allow her to use them later. This argument highlights the power dynamics and conflicts within the household.
8.
Who gives Dorn a bouquet of fresh picked flowers?
Correct Answer
C. Nina
Explanation
Nina gives Dorn a bouquet of fresh picked flowers. However, Paulina takes the flowers from him and destroys them. This incident reflects the tension and jealousy in the relationships among the characters, adding to the drama of the play.
9.
Who enters with a rifle and a dead seagull in his hands?
Correct Answer
D. Treplev
Explanation
Treplev enters with a rifle and a dead seagull in his hands. He puts the seagull at Nina’s feet and tells her that he shot the bird in her honor. This symbolic act represents Treplev’s intense feelings for Nina and foreshadows the tragic events to come.
10.
Who is surprised that Arkadina and Trigorin act like normal people even though they are famous?
Correct Answer
C. Nina
Explanation
Nina is the only one left onstage and she comments that she is surprised that Arkadina and Trigorin act like normal people even though they are famous. Her observation underscores the theme of the play that fame and success do not necessarily equate to happiness or fulfillment. It also reflects her innocence and naivety about the realities of the world of fame.