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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. How long does the narrator spend in France after leaving his grandmother for the last time?

2. Why does the narrator help Pashka?

3. What does Pashka demand to know from the narrator?

4. Of what does the narrator feel jealous?

5. Why does the narrator wander around France?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the narrator's book do and when does he remember something Charlotte told him when he saw his first coffin?

2. How does the narrator's encounter with the girl with russet-colored hair occur and how does it work out between them?

3. Why does the narrator begin to write Charlotte's life and what does he want to know about her as he is writing?

4. Who does the narrator notice while doing sequences and what does he notice about her?

5. What does the narrator learn from Mr. Bond about Charlotte in the last chapter?

6. What does Charlotte tell the narrator about death?

7. How does the narrator's interest in Russia cause him problems?

8. What does the narrator begin to learn in Chapter 12 in class to protect the fatherland and how does he feel about the process of learning this?

9. What does the narrator do about a place for Charlotte when she comes to visit?

10. How does the narrator imagine Charlotte in France and what does he do that he does not usually do when preparing for her visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Dreams of My Russian Summers" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Dreams of My Russian Summers"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Dreams of My Russian Summers" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Dreams of My Russian Summers" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Dreams of My Russian Summers" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Dreams of My Russian Summers". Questions that Makine most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Makine's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Makine's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Makine and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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