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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Semyonich call Aksionov when they speak of their crimes?
(a) The Saint.
(b) Grandad.
(c) Papa.
(d) Father.

2. How does Semyonich respond when Aksionov asks if he has heard of his crime?
(a) He says he followed the trial in the news.
(b) He says he never heard of it.
(c) He says he has but it was long ago and he has forgotten what he heard.
(d) He says it sounded familiar but he was not sure.

3. What does Aksionov say to Semyonich when he asks his forgiveness and calls himself a wretch?
(a) He says he does not need his forgiveness.
(b) He says he forgives him.
(c) He says he could never forgive him.
(d) He says God will forgive hm.

4. What reason does Aksionov tell Semyonich for not needing to kill him?
(a) He says Semyonich killed him long ago.
(b) He says they will kill Semyonich before he can.
(c) He says his execution is already set.
(d) He says he plans to kill himself.

5. How does Aksionov reply when asked by the new prisoners why he is in jail?
(a) He says he killed a man.
(b) He says he must have deserved it.
(c) He says he was wrongfully convicted of murder.
(d) He says he robbed a bank.

6. What does Semyonich tell Aksionov he will do because Aksionov did not tell the Governor what he did?
(a) Help Aksionov escape.
(b) Give his life over to God.
(c) Confess to killing the merchant.
(d) Pray with Aksionov daily.

7. What does Aksionov ask of the prisoner who says he is from Vladimir?
(a) If he knows of the merchants Aksionov and if they are alive.
(b) If he has been to one of his shops.
(c) If he is his son.
(d) If he goes to the church in Vladimir.

8. How does Aksionov feel after thinking of the 26 years he spent in prison for another man’s crime?
(a) He feels thankful he might finally get out.
(b) He feels happy for his health.
(c) He feels he must forgive.
(d) He feels ready to kill himself.

9. What do the other prisoners tell the newcomers about how Aksionov ended up in Siberia?
(a) They tell them someone killed a merchant and hid his knife among Aksionov’s things.
(b) They tell them he committed murder.
(c) They tell them he will not say why he is there.
(d) They tell them he robbed the innkeeper.

10. What does Semyonich tell Aksionov he will do to him if Aksionov tells anyone of his secret?
(a) He will kill him.
(b) He will beat him.
(c) He will tell them he saw him kill the merchant.
(d) He will kill his family.

11. What happens to Aksionov before he can be released from prison?
(a) He escapes.
(b) He kills the guard.
(c) He kills Semyonich.
(d) He dies.

12. What was Semyonich’s demeanor while the Governor questioned Aksionov?
(a) Unconcerned.
(b) Agitated.
(c) Angry.
(d) Sad.

13. What does Makar Semyonich beg Aksionov for after he confesses to him what he did?
(a) Friendship.
(b) Forgiveness.
(c) Money to start a new life.
(d) Help escaping.

14. What does Semyonich tell Aksionov will happen to him if Aksionov “blabs” on him?
(a) He will be sent to solitary.
(b) He will be flogged to death.
(c) He will be hanged.
(d) Nothing because no one will believe a murderer.

15. What is something Aksionov does NOT think of in bed the night he first met Semyonich?
(a) His children.
(b) Writing to the Czar once more.
(c) Getting his revenge.
(d) How his wife told him not to go to the fair.

Short Answer Questions

1. How often does Aksionov hear from his family while in prison?

2. What does Aksionov say to Makar when he tells him he will be released if he confesses?

3. What does the Governor say to Aksionov when asking him who dug the tunnel?

4. Who enters Aksionov’s room the night he was questioned by the guard about the tunnel?

5. What does Aksionov notice from under one of the shelves one night while walking around the prison?

(see the answer keys)

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