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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. In chapter one, Yura's father jumps from which type of vehicle?

2. At the end of Chapter 1, why is Madame Guishar offended?

3. In the book, Pasternak develops a parallel between the changes occurring in Russia and what other historical event?

4. Yura is also called what name?

5. After returning to Moscow from Meliuzeievo, what does Yuri learn about his uncle, Nikolai Nikolaievich?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dr. Zhivago's actions during the war.

2. Why does Yura faint in the garden?

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

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

5. Describe the careers Yura plans to pursue.

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

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

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

9. 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?

10. Describe the political views of Maxim Aristarkhovich Klintsov-Pogorevshikh.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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