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

2. Where do Lara and Pasha live in the beginning of their marriage?

3. What does Yuri tell Commissar Strelnikov he wants out of life?

4. Several conflicts are present in the book. Which struggle best describes the conflict between the warring political parties?

5. In October, which political group wins the fight and establishes political power?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe some of the political views and opinions of the characters in the first chapter.

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

3. Why would Dr. Zhivago work willingly near the front line of battle?

4. How do Yuri and his family get food and supplies for their trip to Varykino?

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

6. Everyone must trade or pay for the food that is sold illegally behind the train stations. Why doesn't the soldier have to pay for the food he eats?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Yuri Zhivago is a very sensitive man. Describe how Yuri expresses himself through poetry.

1) How does Yuri express his feeling of begin torn between two relationships? Cite a specific poem.

2) How does Yuri describe his confession of adultery? Cite a specific poem.

3) Describe one of Yuri's poems that reflect his love for Lara. How is this poem different than the first two examples?

Essay Topic 3

How does Yuri influence the characters in the book after his death? What significance do other characters find in his work? How could his work possibly affect the future of Russia?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 952 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample