The theme of the passage “An Inquiry” by Anton Chekhov is most likely "It is difficult to avoid paying a debt." This theme reflects the moral and social implications of debts and obligations, which are commonly explored in Chekhov's works.
Part A
Which is the theme of the passage?
“An Inquiry”
by Anton Chekhov
Responses
Status is more important than work ethic.
Status is more important than work ethic.
One should try to empathize with strangers.
One should try to empathize with strangers.
It takes money to make things happen.
It takes money to make things happen.
It is difficult to avoid paying a debt.
5 answers
Part B
Which quotation supports the answer in Part A?
Responses
“A fly was walking about near his right nostril, and he was continually stretching out his lower lip and blowing under his nose, which gave his face an extremely care-worn expression.” (paragraph 3)
“A fly was walking about near his right nostril, and he was continually stretching out his lower lip and blowing under his nose, which gave his face an extremely care-worn expression.” (paragraph 3)
“‘I have come in reference to my lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin,’ muttered Voldyrev. ‘The case is well known. I earnestly beg you to attend to me.’” (paragraph 8)
“‘I have come in reference to my lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin,’ muttered Voldyrev. ‘The case is well known. I earnestly beg you to attend to me.’” (paragraph 8)
“The porter, passing again with glasses, probably noticed the helpless expression of his face, for he went close up to him and asked him in a low voice:
‘Well? Have you inquired?’” (paragraphs 15-16)
“The porter, passing again with glasses, probably noticed the helpless expression of his face, for he went close up to him and asked him in a low voice: ‘Well? Have you inquired?’” (paragraphs 15-16)
“Voldyrev went back to the table and laid a green note on the open book.
The clerk drew the book towards him again and began turning over the leaves, and all at once, as though by chance, lifted his eyes to Voldyrev.” (paragraphs 21-22)
“Voldyrev went back to the table and laid a green note on the open book. The clerk drew the book towards him again and began turning over the leaves, and all at once, as though by chance, lifted his eyes to Voldyrev.” (paragraphs 21-22)
Which quotation supports the answer in Part A?
Responses
“A fly was walking about near his right nostril, and he was continually stretching out his lower lip and blowing under his nose, which gave his face an extremely care-worn expression.” (paragraph 3)
“A fly was walking about near his right nostril, and he was continually stretching out his lower lip and blowing under his nose, which gave his face an extremely care-worn expression.” (paragraph 3)
“‘I have come in reference to my lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin,’ muttered Voldyrev. ‘The case is well known. I earnestly beg you to attend to me.’” (paragraph 8)
“‘I have come in reference to my lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin,’ muttered Voldyrev. ‘The case is well known. I earnestly beg you to attend to me.’” (paragraph 8)
“The porter, passing again with glasses, probably noticed the helpless expression of his face, for he went close up to him and asked him in a low voice:
‘Well? Have you inquired?’” (paragraphs 15-16)
“The porter, passing again with glasses, probably noticed the helpless expression of his face, for he went close up to him and asked him in a low voice: ‘Well? Have you inquired?’” (paragraphs 15-16)
“Voldyrev went back to the table and laid a green note on the open book.
The clerk drew the book towards him again and began turning over the leaves, and all at once, as though by chance, lifted his eyes to Voldyrev.” (paragraphs 21-22)
“Voldyrev went back to the table and laid a green note on the open book. The clerk drew the book towards him again and began turning over the leaves, and all at once, as though by chance, lifted his eyes to Voldyrev.” (paragraphs 21-22)
The quotation that best supports the answer in Part A, “It is difficult to avoid paying a debt,” is:
“‘I have come in reference to my lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin,’ muttered Voldyrev. ‘The case is well known. I earnestly beg you to attend to me.’” (paragraph 8)
This quote highlights Voldyrev's struggle with his obligations and the attention he is seeking for his legal matter, emphasizing the theme of dealing with debts.
How does the dialogue in paragraphs 6-8 develop Voldyrev’s character?
Responses
by showing Voldyrev’s attempt to use status to get help
by showing Voldyrev’s attempt to use status to get help
by implying that Voldyrev is confident and expects great service
by implying that Voldyrev is confident and expects great service
by revealing that Voldyrev has been in a dispute with Yalikov
by revealing that Voldyrev has been in a dispute with Yalikov
by explaining Voldyrev’s friendship with Princess Gugulin
Responses
by showing Voldyrev’s attempt to use status to get help
by showing Voldyrev’s attempt to use status to get help
by implying that Voldyrev is confident and expects great service
by implying that Voldyrev is confident and expects great service
by revealing that Voldyrev has been in a dispute with Yalikov
by revealing that Voldyrev has been in a dispute with Yalikov
by explaining Voldyrev’s friendship with Princess Gugulin
The dialogue in paragraphs 6-8 develops Voldyrev’s character by showing Voldyrev’s attempt to use status to get help. This is evident in how he references his lawsuit with the heirs of Princess Gugulin, indicating that he believes his association with a person of higher social standing may aid him in receiving the assistance he needs. It illustrates his reliance on status and social connections in his endeavors.