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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. At the end of Chapter 6, what does Pnin drop onto a pile of dishes?

2. At the party in Chapter 5, what is the name of the host's wife?

3. In Chapter 5, why do the host of the party and his wife have no children?

4. What is it about Victor that troubles his parents?

5. In Chapter 4, who has Liza left Dr. Wind for and is preparing to marry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Pnin somewhat sad after visiting with Betty Bliss?

2. Who runs St. Bartholomew's? Describe in detail.

3. Who are some of the people that Pnin invites to his housewarming party in Chapter 6?

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

5. How do Dr. Wind and Liza feel about their son?

6. Why might Pnin's teaching position be in jeopardy at the college?

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

8. Describe the character of Victor.

9. Who is the host of the party at the cabin in Chapter 5?

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

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

In "Pnin", one of the writing styles that the author uses is his choice of narrator. Explore the different styles of narrators for fiction writing, particularly analyzing the third-person narratives used in "Pnin". How important is the narrator to the story? What are the different types of narrators? Why does the particular type of narrator that Vladimir Nabokov chose for "Pnin" such a good choice? When does the narrator reveal himself to the reader? What is so unique about this type of narrator? How?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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