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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 3, how does Pnin feel about having to bring the book back to the library?

2. After showing his students a film, what does Pnin's student, Betty Bliss, remark that he looks like from the film?

3. How would Pnin's laugh be described?

4. What happens to Pnin, while he is discussing the poem in Chapter 3, which causes the class to laugh?

5. How soon after Mrs. Clements tells Pnin he can stay at their house does Pnin arrive?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Pnin seek out Oleg Komarov in Chapter 3?

2. What do Joan and Pnin learn they have in common from their discussion in Chapter 2?

3. How does Liza use Pnin to get to America?

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

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

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

7. What does Pnin discover from the librarian that is surprising to him in Chapter 3?

8. What does Pnin have a fascination with, like many Russians, that gets him lost?

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

10. How does Pnin meet and marry Liza?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author gives many details about Pnin's personality through description and with flashbacks. Analyze the use of flashbacks used in the novel "Pnin". How does the use of flashbacks help to develop the characters? Are the flashbacks used in "Pnin" important for the development of his character? Are flashbacks confusing or helpful?

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

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"?

(see the answer keys)

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