View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is Mishka's attire described when he appears in Book 3: "Antics, Antitheses, an Accident"?
(a) He is dressed in a military uniform.
(b) He is dressed like a beggar.
(c) He is dressed in a suit.
(d) He is dressed like a prince.

2. Where does the Count keep money hidden in a secret compartment in his room?
(a) His book of Montaigne essays.
(b) The Grand Duke's desk legs.
(c) His book of Anna Karenina.
(d) His father's twice-chiming clock.

3. The narrator says in Book 5: "1954: Applause and Acclaim," "It is a well-known fact that of all of the species on earth Homo sapiens is among the most" what?
(a) "Consuming."
(b) "Adaptable."
(c) "Murderous."
(d) "Miserable."

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

5. What does the interior artist surmise "a room is the summation of" in Book 4: "1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro"?
(a) "The lighting in it."
(b) "The wood it is made of."
(c) "All who have lived in it."
(d) "All that has happened inside it."

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. On what date does the Count confirm that Sofia will be in Paris, France, in Book 5: "1954: Applause and Acclaim"?

3. What is the name of the "Goliath" that tends to the solitary man in the separate dining room in Book 3: "An Alliance"?

4. Where was the Count born?

5. Who does Sofia say she thinks about before playing the composition in Book 4: "1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Sofia's demeanor described when she first arrives to stay with the Count in Book 3: “Adjustments”?

2. How has the setting of the hotel bar changed in Book 3: "Absinthe"? Why has it changed?

3. Why does the Count become upset when he first finds Sofia and Viktor in the ballroom in Book 4: “1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro”?

4. How has the process of taking orders changed at the Boyarsky in Book 4: “1953: Apostles and Apostates”?

5. Why does the Count meet with Pudgy Webster in Book 5: “Arrivederci”?

6. What film do the Count and Osip watch in Book 5: “An Association”? What are their impressions?

7. How does Sofia describe her method of achieving mood with her piano playing in Book 4: “1950: Adagio, Andante, Allegro”?

8. How does the Count manage to be assigned to the special meeting at the Boyarsky in Book 5: “An Announcement”?

9. Why does the Count return to the Italians' room a second time in Book 5: “Arrivederci”? What happens when he does?

10. What announcement is made by Malyshev in Book 5: “An Announcement”?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample