View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Commissar Strelnikov asks Yuri questions about his military service and destination. With which political group is Strelnikov associated?

2. While on his journey to Varykino, what happens to Yuri as he walks near a river?

3. While in the gardens of the Duplyanka estate, which family member does Yura pray for?

4. The book begins with what type of scene?

5. Who seduces Lara when she is 16?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events that lead to Yuri's conscription by the Red Army.

2. Why does Yuri choose to take his family to Varykino?

3. How could Yuri's life have been different if he had not tried to return to Lara the night he was conscripted by the Red Army?

4. How does Yuri react when he sees Lara at the library?

5. What is in Yuri's notebook?

6. Describe the beginning Lara and Pasha's relationship.

7. With the Russian economy in ruins, how do people survive?

8. Describe what happens to Yura during and after his mother's funeral.

9. Why does Lara follow Pasha to the front lines?

10. Describe how the snow is cleared from the train tracks.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Yuri make such a small effort to reunite with his family in France? How does his action affect the development of his character? What internal and external motivators influence his actions? What affect does his action have on his relationship with Tonya and his children?

Essay Topic 2

Compare Yuri to Pamphil. Why does Pamphil lose his mind and Yuri stay sane? Describe events or relationships that might have prepared Yuri to cope with the gruesome nature of war. How did the chaos of war benefit Yuri?

Essay Topic 3

After Lara leaves for Vladivostok, Yuri and Lara's husband, Strelnikov, meet in the house. Describe each man's reaction to the other man's presence. Discuss the irony of Lara's lover and husband both living in the same house. How did their conversation affect their actions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 792 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample