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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. In Chapter 2, Pnin comes downstairs to complain about some annoyances. What does he see a fellow professor doing at the party?

2. What does Pnin like to put in the Clementses' washing machine?

3. How would Pnin's laugh be described?

4. How long does Pnin usually stay at the places he rents?

5. In Chapter 3, how does Pnin feel about having to bring the book back to the library?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is an example of one of Pnin's less pleasant quirks? Describe in detail.

2. What does Pnin almost encounter when he comes down the stairs during the Clementses' party in Chapter 2?

3. Why has the daughter of Laurence and Joan Clements left home, and what do they now have available?

4. How does Pnin meet and marry Liza?

5. What does the library request of Pnin in Chapter 3?

6. How well does Pnin speak English? Describe in detail.

7. Why is Pnin so horrified at the possibility of losing his suitcase in Chapter 1?

8. What procedure does Pnin have done in Chapter 2 that leaves him very pleased?

9. What poem does Pnin discuss with his class in Chapter 3?

10. What other people occupy Pnin's coach on the train in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pnin tells many stories throughout the action of the main story. Explore the author's use of the literary device story-within-a-story in the novel "Pnin".

Part 1) Is the author using stories-within-a-story to parody views of the world?

Part 2) Is the author using stories-within-a-story to give background about particular characters or events?

Part 3) How is this literary device effective in the novel "Pnin"?

Essay Topic 2

The story of Pnin can be enhanced by learning about the author of the book. Research the author Vladimir Nabokov, comparing him to the character of Professor Timofey Pnin. How are Pnin and Nabokov similar? How are Pnin and Nabokov different? Why would Nabokov write a book that clearly is very related to his own life? How is "Pnin" an indicator of Nabokov's life as an immigrant?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter Four, the author makes a subtle satire of science. Satire is mainly a literary genre or structure. Examine the use of satire in the novel "Pnin". How does the author use satire with science and why? What point is the author trying to make? How does the use of satire affect the overall tone of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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