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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 Tchitchikov compare his life to when introducing himself to the general?

2. Who agrees to loan Tchitchikov money?

3. How does Tchitchikov impress Lyenitsyn?

4. What is the relationship between Platon and Skudronzhoglo?

5. Why do Anna and Sofia think Tchitchikov buys dead souls?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the postmaster of N. think Tchitchikov might be Captain Kopeykin?

2. What does Skudronzhoglo tell Tchitchikov about getting rich?

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

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

5. Describe Ulinka's appearance.

6. Why does Andrey stop pursuing Ulinka?

7. Why does Tchitchikov get a late start on his day the morning after Nozdroyov visits him?

8. What does Andrey do for work?

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

10. Why does Madame Korobotcha come to N?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Gogol divided his story into two parts? How does the division help the reader understand the story better? How does it make the story more complex? Could each section stand alone and be successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Why is it significant that Tchitchikov is able to get out of jail at the end of the novel? Why does Gogol make it so his main character never learns his lesson? Does this ending surprise you? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the character Madame Korobotcha. What role does she play in the story? What is interesting about the way Tchitchikov treats her? How does Madame Korobotcha's role in the story help the reader to get a better idea about the motives and true nature of Tchitchikov?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 640 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample