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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who helps Tchitchikov get out of prison?

2. What does Tchitchikov tell Andrey he is missing?

3. Why does Tchitchikov really want to buy dead souls?

4. What is Skudronzhoglo's first name?

5. What does the narrator compare Russia to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Anna and Sofia think Tchitchikov is collecting dead souls?

2. Why does Tchitchikov spend time in prison prior to coming to N?

3. Why does Tchitchikov leave N?

4. How does Andrey react when Tchitchikov visits him?

5. Why do the men of N. decide they do not want to be associated with Tchitchikov?

6. Why do Tchitchikov and Platon set out on a journey together?

7. What reason does Tchitchikov give for why he wants to buy General Betrishtchev's dead souls?

8. Describe Ulinka's appearance.

9. Why does Andrey quit his first job in Petersburg?

10. Why do people assume that Tchitchikov caused the prosecutor's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is significant about the houses of the people that Tchitchikov visits? Why do you think the author gives such vivid descriptions of the houses and their furnishings? How do the homes reflect their owners? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the character of Andrey. Why do you think so much description is given about him when he does not even appear again in the story? How does Gogol use him to make fun of Russian noblemen?

Essay Topic 3

Why do the important people of N. become so interested in Tchitchikov? What is the significance of their interest in him? How does their interest in him drive the plot? What does Tchitchikov do to gain their interest?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 641 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample