How do perceptions about the meaning and purpose of art evolve over the course of the play? How do the different characters’ conceptions of art illustrate their characterization and/or the key ideas of the play?

Familial dynamics play an important role in the lives of both Konstantin and Nina. How are their experiences and dilemmas similar? How are they different? What is the significance of these dynamics?

Compare and contrast the characters of Nina, Arkadina, and Masha. In what ways do these women take agency over their lives? In what ways do they not? What do their character arcs reveal about the gender dynamics in the play?