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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. When does Victor learn of Pnin's existence?

2. In Chapter 5, why does the artist who Pnin meets not being incredibly social?

3. After everyone leaves Pnin's housewarming, what does he immediately begin to do?

4. In Chapter 6, where has Pnin's friend, who heads the department his job is attached to, accepted a new post at?

5. What is the name of Pnin's friend who heads the department that Pnin's job is attached to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Victor's art teacher, Lake.

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

4. Where is the cabin located that Pnin is headed to at beginning of Chapter 5, and why is he going there?

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

6. What do Roza Shpolyanski and Pnin talk about at the party in Chapter 5?

7. Where is Pnin living in Chapter 6 and how does he feel about it?

8. What does Hagen tell Pnin before he leaves the party?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Research the Bolshevik Revolution and study how it could have affected Pnin. What is a revolution? Why did the Bolshevik Revolution happen? What year did the Bolshevik Revolution occur? Who was Vladimir Lenin and what did he have to do with the Bolshevik Revolution? Why would Pnin want to leave Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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