View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the party in Chapter 5, who quickly changes the subject when Bolotov and Pnin begin to argue?

2. Why does Pnin not use the detailed directions that were given to him to get to the cabin?

3. In Chapter 4, who does Pnin now rent a house from?

4. At the party in Chapter 5, what book does Pnin end up getting into an argument with Bolotov over?

5. How is Victor's art teacher described in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are a few examples of what the students at Waindell College do at the beginning of every year?

2. What happens to Pnin while traveling to the cabin in Chapter 5?

3. What does Pnin give to Victor during their first meeting?

4. Who are a few of the people who are attending the party in Chapter 5 with whom Pnin is acquainted?

5. What are the ages of the men and women who are at the party in comparison to Pnin?

6. Who is Al Cook's wife and why do they not have children?

7. Who is the artist that Pnin meets while going for a swim in the lake, and what does Pnin wish after meeting him?

8. What is Pnin worried that he might have broken at the end of Chapter 6?

9. Why does Liza decide to send Victor to school at St. Bartholomew's?

10. How popular are Pnin's classes and how stable is his teaching position?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the Clementses and their relationship with Pnin, comparing their first impressions of Pnin to how they end up feeling about Pnin. What kind of people are the Clementses? How does Pnin know them? What do Pnin and Joan bond over? What are some examples from the book that demonstrate the Clementses beginning to like Pnin?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character of Liza and her overall affect on Pnin's life. What kind of person is Liza? Did she truly ever love Pnin or was she always using him? Why can't Pnin see Liza for what she truly is? How does Pnin behave when he is around Liza? Is Liza a good influence on Pnin?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Victor's relationship with his parents to his relationship with Pnin, examining the differences and similarities. What kind of parents are Dr. Wind and Liza? Does Pnin treat Victor as if he is his own son? How does Victor view Pnin compared to his parents? How does Dr. Wind feel about Pnin and Victor having a relationship?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 891 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample