Question

Read the given extract and answer the following questions.

LOMOV: It's cold... I'm trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal or for real love, then I'll never get married. Brr...It’s cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I'm getting a noise in my ears from excitement. (Drinks) And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I'm already 35- a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I'm excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow.

i. Which of the following is NOT a reason why Lomov thinks he must marry?   (1)

1. He is already 35 years old.
2. He suffers from palpitations.
3. He is excitable and easily upset.
4. He is in love with Natalya.

ii. Why is it fair to say that Lomov's tone, when he says, "What more do I want?", is uncertain and questioning? Answer in about 40 words.   (2)

iii. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.   (1)

1. A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
2. A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
3. An aside is a brief comment or remark made by a character directly to the audience, which is not intended to be heard by other characters on stage.

iv. If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on while modulating his voice?     (1)

Answer 1

i. He is in love with Natalya.

ii. Lomov's tone when he says, "What more do I want?" is uncertain and questioning because he is trying to convince himself that Natalya Stepanovna is a suitable match for him, but at the same time, he seems to be struggling with doubts and fears. His tone suggests that he is trying to reassure himself that he has made the right decision, but he is not entirely convinced.

iii. A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.

iv. The actor would be required to convey Lomov's nervousness and excitement through his voice modulation.