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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. When the others arrive for the dinner party, Zverkov is in the lead and appears to be in charge. How does he respond when he learns the time of the writer's arrival?

2. In Part 2, a number of event happen to the writer, including going to a dinner party with old friends and meeting a prostitute. How does the writer feel about the events that happen that day?

3. What would the writer have to do to buy a pistol?

4. What human condition does the writer state he cannot express?

5. How does the writer feel after leaving Liza?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 2, Chapter 8, the writer decides to borrow money from his friend Anton Antonych in order to repay Simonov. Why does Anton Antonych so readily lend the money?

2. In Part 2, Chapter 6, the writer wakes up to a clock chiming. How does he describe the clock?

3. How does the writer try to cover up his feelings about Liza being at his apartment?

4. When the writer goes to visit Anton Antonych, there are other men also visiting. What do the men discuss and how does the writer feel about this conversation?

5. The writer describes some office clerks that repulse him. Discuss these characters.

6. What does the writer want to do when the others arrive and what does he actually do?

7. Why does the writer state that in his life he often takes insignificant roles?

8. In Part 2, Chapter 1, the writer discusses his feelings about his job. What are these feelings?

9. How does the writer describe the room he finds himself in after being drunk at the dinner party?

10. The writer continues to ridicule Liza and her work and describes a rather somber death. What does the writer say a prostitute's death will be?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are striking similarities between the writer and Liza. Discuss these similarities and how they affect the writer. Does the writer feel a connection with Liza and if so, does he accept it?

Essay Topic 2

What character is the writer most like in the book? Provide details supporting your answer.

Essay Topic 3

In Part 1, Chapter 8, the writer fantasizes about a formula for the desires of man. What does he say would happen to free will if such a formula existed and how do you think he feels about this?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample