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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. What is the process by which Vladimir Nabokov writes "Speak, Memory?"

2. With what is the aristocratic Nabokov house stocked?

3. To what does Nabokov compare existence?

4. Of what are Nabokov's memories in a Russian setting?

5. Why is the family forced to leave Russia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the tutors hired to educate the Nabokov children?

2. How does Nabokov spend hours of his time during this period of his life?

3. What evidence from the text shows that Nabokov is beginning to have an interest in girls?

4. How does Nabokov describe the final years in Europe?

5. Why is the couple allowed to be on their own.

6. Who is Mademoiselle?

7. What is a difficulty that Russian writers endure?

8. Describe Nabokov's encounters with his cousin, Yuri.

9. Explain the process used to create this book.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nabokov seems to have a close relationship with his father.

Part 1) Describe their relationship.

Part 2) Compare and contrast Nabokov's relationship with his father and his relationship with his mother.

Part 3) What are possible reasons for the differences in the two relationships?

Essay Topic 2

There is a great gulf between classes in early-twentieth century Russia.

Part 1) What evidence from the text proves this statement.

Part 2) How does this separation of classes affect Russia?

Part 3) How might Nabokov's experiences have changed once he emigrates to Western Europe, and finally to the United States? How mighthe feel about these changes?

Essay Topic 3

Nabokov spends his summer vacations in Biarritz, France.

Part 1) Describe Biarritz.

Part 2) How does Nabokov's family spend its time here?

Part 3) What is the author's purpose for including this information in the book?

(see the answer keys)

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