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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The rest of the chapters are published separately, mainly by whom?
(a) The New Yorker.
(b) The New York Times.
(c) The Chicago Tribune.
(d) The St. Petersburg Publishing House.

2. Why does Nabokov's father force the family to leave a sidewalk cafe?
(a) The father notices two Japanese officers dining at a nearby table.
(b) The food is not edible.
(c) His father sees an old acquaintance he would rather avoid.
(d) The wait staff is slow and untrained.

3. Mademoiselle threatens several times to leave. Why does she end up staying?
(a) Nabokov's mother talks her into staying
(b) Nabokov's mother threatens her.
(c) Nabokov's mother gives her gifts.
(d) Nabokov's mother gives her a raise.

4. Where does Nabokov's mother trick Dimitri into believing he is still?
(a) In Russia.
(b) In Greece.
(c) In London.
(d) In France.

5. How does the family spend their time in this town?
(a) On the beach.
(b) Shopping.
(c) Mountain climbing.
(d) On a boat.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do the children bathe?

2. To what does the memory of the bracelet lead?

3. What is young Vladimir's main concern?

4. To whom does Nabokov feel the strongest bond of kinship?

5. Who is referred to simply as "Mademoiselle?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nabokov's brother, Sergey.

2. What is Nabokov's favorite Captain Mayne Reid novel? Why?

3. Why does Nabokov have trouble sleeping?

4. What does young Vladimir think about when he wakes in the morning?

5. Nabokov is surprised to learn of what happens to several of his art teachers in the future. Why?

6. Who is Kirill?

7. How does Nabokov's autobiography begin?

8. Nabokov reveals that his mind always associates sounds with colors. How does his mother react to this unusual sensibility?

9. The local schoolmaster is brought in to give the children a crash course in the Russian language. What takes place at a meeting between the father, son, and schoolmaster?

10. What schooling does Nabokov's father receive?

(see the answer keys)

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