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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 Tchitchikov's first name?

2. How old does Plyushkin say he is?

3. How old is Manilov's oldest child?

4. What does Manilov serve Tchitchikov for dinner?

5. How old is Nozdroyov?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sobakevitch speak about the people with whom Tchitchikov has become friends?

2. Why does the narrator not go into detail about Selifan?

3. Describe Plyushkin's estate.

4. How does Tchitchikov feel when looking at his list of acquired souls?

5. How does Tchitchikov make himself feel better about not going after the young girl he meets?

6. What does Sobakevitch say about Plyushkin?

7. How does the narrator describe Nozdroyov's character?

8. Why does Tchitchikov need to go to the government building?

9. Why does Plyushkin sell his dead souls to Tchitchikov?

10. Why does Tchitchikov tell Nozdroyov that he wants dead souls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of Selifan and Petrushka? How are they relevant to the story? How does Tchitchikov treat them? How does the narrator treat them? What point is the author making by giving two serfs a large role in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

How are Russian women portrayed in the novel? What is the significance of this portrayal? How are the women used to satirize Russian life? How do the women drive the novel's plot? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the character of Andrey. Why do you think so much description is given about him when he does not even appear again in the story? How does Gogol use him to make fun of Russian noblemen?

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This section contains 600 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample