Chekhov's late plays are known for blending the tragic and comic. Discuss one instance in which he does so in Uncle Vanya. What literary devices make this combination possible? How might this combination ramify thematically?

A number of characters in Uncle Vanya describe themselves as "haunted." Discuss how the trope of "haunting" appears in the play.

Chekhov is known for his use of the pause in dialogue. Choose two or three pauses in Uncle Vanya and discuss their effects. Consider literary devices and relevance to major themes. State your principle claim in the first sentence.

Uncle Vanya is renowned for its pseudo-climax. Consider the effect of dispensing with a more conventional climax in the context of this play. Pay attention to staging, literary devices, and relevance to theme and character. State your major claim in the first sentence.