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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Semyonich say that makes Aksionov certain it was he who committed the crime?
(a) He mentioned that Aksionov was sleeping with his bag under his head when the knife was planted.
(b) He knew how the merchant looked.
(c) He mentioned the name of the innkeeper.
(d) He mentioned the brand of knife used to kill the merchant.

2. How does Aksionov feel after saying that he may be “a hundred times worse” (117) than Semyonich?
(a) Like a liar.
(b) His heart feels light and he no longer yearns for home.
(c) Sick.
(d) Enraged.

3. What do the old prisoners ask the new prisoners upon their arrival?
(a) If they have any cigarettes.
(b) If they have petitioned the Czar.
(c) If they have any money.
(d) Where they came from and what crimes they are sentenced for.

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

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

6. Who enters Aksionov’s room the night he was questioned by the guard about the tunnel?
(a) Semyonich.
(b) The Czar.
(c) Aksionov’s wife.
(d) The Governor.

7. How often does Aksionov hear from his family while in prison?
(a) Monthly.
(b) Daily.
(c) Weekly.
(d) Never.

8. One night when Aksionov cannot sleep he sees Semyonich who tells him he has done what?
(a) Dug a hole through which he can escape.
(b) Heard he was going to be released.
(c) Stolen money from other prisoners
(d) Killed the guard so they can escape.

9. What did the convoy soldiers notice after taking the convicts out to work one day?
(a) A tool used for digging.
(b) That Semyonich has cuts on his hand and head.
(c) That someone had escaped.
(d) That someone had emptied some earth from his boots.

10. What does Semyonich tell Aksionov one night in his cell regarding Aksionov’s alleged crime?
(a) He says he knows Aksionov killed the merchant.
(b) He says he knows the police set him up.
(c) He tells him he killed the merchant and hid the knife in Aksionov’s things.
(d) He says he heard the merchant survived.

11. What does Aksionov tell the person who visits his cell the night he was questioned by the guard about the tunnel?
(a) He asks the person to kill him.
(b) He says he is getting released.
(c) He says to leave or he will call the guard.
(d) He says they should escape through the tunnel right away.

12. What does Aksionov notice from under one of the shelves one night while walking around the prison?
(a) Some earth.
(b) A lighter.
(c) A bible.
(d) A letter from Semyonich.

13. Who does Aksionov tell Semyonich is the only one who can decide if Aksionov tells on him?
(a) Semyonich.
(b) Aksionov.
(c) God.
(d) His wife.

14. Who questions the prisoners about the tunnel that was found in the prison?
(a) The Czar.
(b) The officer.
(c) Aksionov.
(d) The Governor.

15. What does Aksionov do when he sees Semyonich sobbing after begging his forgiveness?
(a) He sobs too.
(b) He spits on Semyonich.
(c) He calls the guards to take him away.
(d) He kicks Semyonich.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aksionov try to do day and night after meeting Semyonich, but it brings him no peace?

2. How does Semyonich respond when Aksionov asks if he has heard of his crime?

3. What do the other prisoners tell the newcomers about how Aksionov ended up in Siberia?

4. What do the prisoners all say when questioned by the Governor?

5. What does Aksionov say to Semyonich when he asks his forgiveness and calls himself a wretch?

(see the answer keys)

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