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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 Yuri barter for food and goods from a central distribution center?

2. During World War I, which country invaded Russia?

3. Yuri discovers that Lara has been reading books about which political philosophy?

4. When the Russian economy collapses, how do the citizens cope with the lack of food and supplies?

5. What type of school is set up in Yuri and Tonia's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why might people exhibit extreme behavior during a time of war that they would not exhibit in peacetime?

2. Why does Lara enter a relationship with a much older man?

3. How do Yuri and his family survive the harsh winter?

4. What does Tonia think of the information she receives in Yuri's letter from Meliuzeievo?

5. Describe Yuri's arrest.

6. Describe the careers Yura plans to pursue.

7. What happens when Yuri finally visits Lara at her house in Varykino?

8. Describe the type of work Yuri and his family do to survive when they first arrive in Varykino.

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

10. Describe some of the social classes of people who are on the train and how they interact with each other.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characters in the book endure the strife of World War I as well as a civil war. Discuss how war affects their lives.

1) How does World War I affect the characters in the book? Cite specific examples.

2) How does the Russian Civil War affect the characters in the book? Cite specific examples.

3) How would Yuri and Lara's affair been different if there had been no war?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how specific emotions influence the characters in the story. What affect does emotion have on their lives and how does it influence their choices and actions? Cite specific events, characters and possible motivators.

Essay Topic 3

In the book, character and events seem to coincidentally occur at just the right (or wrong) time. What role does fate play in Yuri's life? What role does fate play in Lara's life? Give specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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