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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. Why does Selifan not have the chaise ready for Tchitchikov?

2. How many Corinthian columns are outside the general's house?

3. How does Tchitchikov impress Lyenitsyn?

4. What does Sofia argue with Anna about?

5. What does the narrator compare Russia to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Andrey quit his first job in Petersburg?

2. Why is Tchitchikov happy to make Skudronzhoglo's acquaintance?

3. Why does Madame Korobotcha come to N?

4. Why do Tchitchikov and Platon set out on a journey together?

5. What gossip does Sofia tell Anna?

6. What does Nozdroyov tell the other men about Tchitchikov?

7. Why does Nozdroyov go to visit Tchitchikov?

8. What does Andrey do for work?

9. Why does Andrey stop pursuing Ulinka?

10. Why is Tchitchikov thrown in prison in Part 2, Chapter 5?

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

What role does Sobakevitch play in the novel? How is he described? What is his significance? Why is it important that he sell his souls to Tchitchikov so easily? What does that say about him? What does it say about Tchitchikov?

Essay Topic 3

What is significant about the houses of the people that Tchitchikov visits? Why do you think the author gives such vivid descriptions of the houses and their furnishings? How do the homes reflect their owners? Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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