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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. What detail of Ivanovich's appearance seems to impress the narrator?
(a) His healthy complexion.
(b) His elegant clothing.
(c) His athletic physique.
(d) His neatly trimmed hair.

2. What is the job of the older man who talks to Ivanovich about Russia?
(a) Post-office clerk.
(b) Accountant.
(c) Produce distributor.
(d) Paper manufacturer.

3. What technique is used in the story's title?
(a) Non Sequitur.
(b) Asyndeton.
(c) Euphony.
(d) Euphemism.

4. What does Ivanovich do to distract himself from "the absurdity and horror of the situation" (6)?
(a) Plays solitaire.
(b) Reads his book.
(c) Tries to fall asleep.
(d) Looks out the window at the scenery.

5. What is the tour group doing in the passage that says "they raised dust along a highway" (12)?
(a) Fighting.
(b) Walking.
(c) Digging.
(d) Riding in a car.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ivanovich feel is happening as the first night of the tour wears on?

2. What instrument does one of the men insist on teaching Ivanovich to play?

3. How long has Ivanovich been in love with a married woman?

4. What is Schramm's job title?

5. In the phrase "several people, alas, were taking part in the excursion," what is the word "alas" meant to convey (4)?

Short Essay Questions

1. With whom does Ivanovich spend the first night, and how does this person keep Ivanovich awake?

2. What is the difference between the narrative descriptions of people and of nature in this story?

3. On the third day of the tour, what does Ivanovich see that makes him feel the happiness he dreamed he might find on the trip?

4. What does Ivanovich do at each of the train stations on the first day of the trip, and what does this show about his character?

5. What direct characterization of Ivanovich does the narrator offer?

6. For what two reasons does Ivanovich sleep badly on the night before the trip begins?

7. On the second day of the tour, what is Ivanovich doing from early morning until early evening?

8. What happens at dinnertime on the first day of the trip?

9. Describe the game that the passengers come up with to play on the train.

10. Why is it such a relief to Ivanovich when the tour group finally stops for the night at an inn?

(see the answer keys)

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