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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. How does the man who runs Victor's school treat the children?

2. At the party in Chapter 5, after playing the game whom does Pnin talk with?

3. In Chapter 6, who has Pnin found a permanent housing solution from?

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

5. In Chapter 6, what do pranksters vandalize in the humanities building?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Victor Wind fantasize about during school?

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

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

7. What has happened with Dr. Eric Wind and Liza in Chapter 4?

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

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

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

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

One theme in the novel "Pnin" is his strict adherence to his daily routine. Examine the theme of routine in Pnin's life exploring how it affects the overall novel. What does Pnin do every day? What does Pnin's precise routine say about his character and personality? How does Pnin's daily routine affect the overall tone of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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