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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 does the defense attorney tell the jurors they are in charge of deciding in addition to the truth of Mitya's story?

2. Who does Alyosha go to meet in at the beginning of the Epilogue?

3. What does Ivan want to know if Smerdyakov faked when he visits him in Book 11, Chapter 7?

4. Who does Katarina say she has a newfound love for in Book 12, Chapter 6?

5. What is the name of Kolya's dog?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Smerdyakov confess to Ivan in Part 4, Book 11, Chapter 8?

2. How are the medical experts that are used in Mitya's trial described?

3. How does the defense attorney describe Fyodor in Part 4, Book 12, Chapter 13?

4. What is the nature of the voices Ivan hears in Part 4, Book 11, Chapter 9?

5. How do Pyotr and Madame Khokhalakov act towards each other when they first meet?

6. How is Kolya described when he is first seen in Part 4, Book 10, Chapter 1?

7. How does Mitya react when the police make him take off his clothes for examination?

8. What is the nature of Alyosha and Grushenka's discussion in Part 4, Book 11, Chapter 1?

9. What happens when Katarina gives the judge her letter from Mitya during his trial?

10. What is the nature of the discussion between Ivan and Smerdyakov in Part 4, Book 11, Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the portrayal of Russian society in the book. What is the author saying about Russian society based on the speeches given during Mitya's trial?

Essay Topic 2

The role of religion is one that is very pronounced throughout much of the book. Part 1.) How does Alysosha represent religious values in the book? Part 2.) What about the author's depiction of Zosima brings religion to the forefront in the book? Part 3.) In what way could you argue that the author presented his own voice about religion by including Zosima's teachings and speeches in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of manipulation in the book. How do characters like Grushenka and Fyodor use manipulation to accomplish their goals?

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