Misery by Anton Chekhov

Why is Iona Potapov "all white like a ghost" at the beginning of the story?

• Because he is thinking about when he was sent to the city to work.

• Because he is feeling miserable about his son's death.

• Because he is covered in snow

Why do people start shouting to Iona as he drives off with the army officer?

• Because they can see that Iona doesn't know how to drive.

• Because they are doing their best to fall under his horses feet.

• Because Iona is not watching where he is going.

Why does the army officer keep his eyes closed after Iona tells him about his son dying?

• Because he is very tired and Iona is driving very slowly.

• Because he wants Iona to stop talking and watch the road.

• Because he feels sad for Iona and doesn't want Iona to see him cry.

Why does Iona agree to take the three men to Police Bridge for twenty kopecks?

• Because he is happy to have three more people to try to talk to.

• Because it is almost finishing time, and the place where sled drivers sleep is near Police Bridge.

• Because he needs the money to buy oats for his horse.

Why does the feeling of sadness begin to feel less heavy on Iona's heart as he is driving the three men?

• Because he feels the movement of one of them behind his back.

• Because there are many people in the street.

• Because he thinks the men are very funny.

We are told that after Iona drops off the three men, "his eyes search the crowds going here and there on both sides of the street." What is he looking for?

• Someone that he can talk to

• Another fare to make more money.

• The hotel worker carrying a package

We are told that Iona's misery is hidden in such an unimportant shell/place that no one will ever find it. Where is this place?

• Iona's mind.

• Iona's heart.

• Iona's eyes.

When Iona gets to the room where the sled drivers sleep, he looks around and feels sorry that he has come back so early. Why does he feel sorry?

• Because the room is airless and full of smells.

• Because his horse does not have anything to eat.

• Because everyone is sleeping and has no one to talk to.

Why does Iona think it would be better to tell his story to a woman than a man?

• Because a woman is more likely to show her sadness for him than a man.

• Because he still has a daughter in the country and needs to talk about her about it.

• Because his wife is dead and he would like another woman to talk to.

Why does Iona decide to tell his story to the horse?

• So that the horse will understand why he didn't make enough money to buy oats.

• Because speaking about his sadness will make him feel better, even if it is only to a horse.

• Because the horse once had a colt that died, and will understand how he must feel.