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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To what does the Count compare "how time passes when one is left waiting unaccountably" in the opening of Book 4: "1953: Apostles and Apostates"?
(a) "Like the wheeling of the stars."
(b) "Like the passing of clouds."
(c) "Like the blooming of lilies."
(d) "Like the turning of the planets."

2. With whom is Sofia said to be meeting in the ballroom in Book 4: "1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro"?
(a) Mikhail Fyodorovich Mindich.
(b) Viktor Stepanovich.
(c) Nina Kulikova.
(d) Katerina Litvinova.

3. In Book 3: "Adjustments" the narrator uses a simile in describing Sofia, saying, "When the Count served breakfast, she nibbled her biscuits like" what?
(a) "A squirrel."
(b) "A rabbit."
(c) "A Trappist."
(d) A mouse."

4. Where is the American general described as being from in Book 3: "Antics, Antitheses, an Accident"?
(a) California.
(b) Nevada.
(c) Texas.
(d) Arkansas.

5. According to the narrator in Book 5: "An Announcement," who "would argue that once the dining room's doors were opened, after a brief moment of confusion the better natures of the men would prevail, and their predisposition to reason would lead them to a fair and orderly process of seat taking"?
(a) John Locke.
(b) Stalin.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) John Hobbes.

6. What corporation does Pudgy Webster's father own?
(a) The American Refrigeration Company.
(b) The American Wonder Bread Company.
(c) The American Vending Machine Company.
(d) The South Convention Watch Company.

7. Who rushes up to the Count and tells him that he must convince Sofia to perform overseas in Book 5: "1954: Applause and Acclaim"?
(a) Viktor Stepanovich.
(b) Jozef Halecki.
(c) Marina Samarova.
(d) Andrey Duras.

8. How many seats are arranged for the table at the special dinner in Book 5: "An Announcement"?
(a) 32.
(b) 46.
(c) 50.
(d) 30.

9. What kind of wine is served to the Count and the stranger in the separate dining room prior to dinner in Book 3: "An Alliance"?
(a) Riesling.
(b) Cabernet Sauvignon.
(c) Rkatsiteli.
(d) Gewurztraminer.

10. How long did it take Hitler's troops to march from the Russian frontier to the outskirts of Moscow in Operation Barbarossa?
(a) 7 months.
(b) 2 months.
(c) 5 months.
(d) 3 months.

11. In what month does Book 4: "1952: America" begin?
(a) July.
(b) May.
(c) March.
(d) June.

12. How many soldiers were deployed from Odessa to the Baltic in Operaton Barbarossa?
(a) About 1 million.
(b) Over 4 million.
(c) Over 3 million.
(d) About 2 million.

13. Where will Sofia be performing with the orchestra of the Moscow Conservatory in Paris in Book 5: "1954: Applause and Acclaim"?
(a) The Paris Showhouse.
(b) The Grand Hall.
(c) The Palais Garnier.
(d) The Amor Garnier.

14. What is described in Book 5: "An Announcement" as "one of the most intricate and purposeful constructions ever manufactured by man"?
(a) Propaganda.
(b) The Communist Party.
(c) The Republican Party.
(d) The Whig Party.

15. Who is the director of the Red October Youth Orchestra that visits the Count in Book 4: "1953: Apostles and Apostates"?
(a) Mr. Halecki.
(b) Mr. Frinovsky.
(c) Mr. Glebnikov.
(d) Mr. Duras.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book 5: "Anecdotes," the Count shares to pieces of parental advice with Sofia, including "Montaigne's maxim that the surest sign of wisdom is constant" what?

2. When did the Germans launch Operation Barbarossa?

3. Who is the friend that the Count toasts to over Sofia's piano success in Book 4: "1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro"?

4. When did the Germans begin their retreat from Moscow in Operation Barbarossa?

5. What name does Sofia give to her doll in Book 3: "Adjustments"?

(see the answer keys)

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