View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Pnin usually find wrong in the places that he lives?
(a) Too expensive.
(b) Too much noise.
(c) Not close enough to the college.
(d) Too small.

2. While on his way to the town in Chapter 1, what is Pnin horrified about the possibility of losing?
(a) His book bag.
(b) His satchel.
(c) His brief case.
(d) His suitcase.

3. What did Pnin try to do on his own in Chapter 1 rather than take other people's suggestions?
(a) Write the perfect speech.
(b) Find the perfect suit.
(c) Find a better route.
(d) Drive himself to the college.

4. How would Pnin be described when he is drunk?
(a) Humorous.
(b) Sad.
(c) Anxious.
(d) Mean.

5. After leaving the library in Chapter 3, what does Pnin decide to do for the night?
(a) Read a book in his room.
(b) Go straight to bed.
(c) Watch some TV.
(d) Go to a music and movie night that some acquaintances of his are having.

6. In Chapter 3, how long has Pnin now been staying with the Clementses?
(a) Six months.
(b) Two years.
(c) Three months.
(d) One year.

7. How would Pnin's English be described?
(a) Okay.
(b) Greatly improved.
(c) Very poor.
(d) Perfectly fluent.

8. What is Pnin dependent on using when he reaches the town in Chapter 1?
(a) His lap top.
(b) A dictionary.
(c) A prepared text.
(d) His inhaler.

9. What is the name of the woman who introduces Pnin at the seminar?
(a) Jane Corrinth.
(b) Janis Clements.
(c) Judith Clyde.
(d) Janelle Cummings.

10. What does the librarian tell Pnin in Chapter 3 that he refuses to take any responsibility for?
(a) Pnin is adamant that he did not cause water damage to the book.
(b) Pnin is adamant that he did not rip one of the pages in the book.
(c) Pnin discovers that he is the one who requested the book.
(d) Pnin refuses to pay his late fee.

11. In Chapter 3, which poet's poem does Pnin discuss concerning the uncertainty of death?
(a) Pushkin.
(b) Pasternak.
(c) Mayakovsky.
(d) Brodsky.

12. Where were Pnin and his wife Liza staying when she met Dr. Wind, the man she ends up leaving Pnin for?
(a) Meudon, a suburb of Paris.
(b) Marseille, France.
(c) Austin, Texas.
(d) Tuva, Russia.

13. Who helps Pnin to adapt his room at the Clementses' house to his own utility and personality?
(a) One of his students.
(b) His brother.
(c) Mrs. Clement.
(d) Laurence.

14. In Chapter 3, how does Pnin feel about having to bring the book back to the library?
(a) Angry.
(b) Frustrated.
(c) Sad.
(d) Fine.

15. What does Pnin use in Chapter 1 that is five years old and, therefore, obsolete?
(a) A list.
(b) A book.
(c) A schedule.
(d) A map.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pnin ask the librarian in Chapter 3?

2. Why was Pnin made to sit in his bed for weeks with nothing to do when he was a child?

3. What country did Pnin leave right before coming to America?

4. What is the name of the librarian at Pnin's college?

5. What is the title of the book that Pnin is asked to bring back to the library in Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 560 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample