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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. What does Laurence learn from Pnin, in Chapter 2, that helps to change how he feels about him?

2. Whom does Mrs. Clements tell she is looking to rent out her room?

3. Who stayed in the room before Pnin at the Clementses' house?

4. Who is sitting near Pnin while he is traveling in Chapter 1?

5. What is the name of the woman who introduces Pnin at the seminar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Pnin at the bus station that has been happening since he was a child?

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

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

4. Describe Pnin's fellow professor, Oleg Komarov.

5. What happens when Pnin tries to get his suitcase back from the man at the station in Chapter 1?

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

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

8. Where is Pnin a professor at in Chapter 1?

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

10. Why has Pnin always been a constant mover?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the prevailing themes in "Pnin" is the life of an immigrant. Explore the theme of Pnin's life as an immigrant and the prejudices that he encounters.

Part 1) What does being an immigrant mean?

Part 2) What are some examples of prejudices in the novel?

Part 3) Is Pnin aware of the prejudices he encounters?

Essay Topic 2

The beginning of "Pnin" is somewhat lighthearted and even humorous, and then the tone of the novel changes somewhat by the end. Examine the use of tone in the novel "Pnin", describing how it changes throughout the novel. How does the author set the tone in "Pnin"? How is this tone important for the overall mood of the story? What is the tone in "Pnin"? Does this tone seem to go well with the story?

Essay Topic 3

The author of "Pnin" emphasizes a certain amount of dullness in the academic life. Examine the premise of dullness of academic life in the novel "Pnin". Does this dull feeling fit Pnin's personality and character? Are the other professors at the college depicted as dull? What do the students do that is the same every year? How are the butterflies depicted? Why does this particularly year have a dark undertone?

(see the answer keys)

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