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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 5.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Vasiliy insist upon lying supine on the floor?
(a) He claims it relieves his chest pains.
(b) He claims it stretches out his spine.
(c) He claims it helps him breathe better.
(d) He claims it improves his posture.

2. Soon, the string of nurses transforms into what?
(a) A string of doctors.
(b) A string of governesses.
(c) A string of teachers.
(d) A string of surgeons.

3. To what simple rule does Nabokov's mother ascribe?
(a) Follow the Golden Rule.
(b) Love with all your soul and leave the rest to fate.
(c) Be honest and things will go your way.
(d) Love your neighbors as yourself.

4. Mademoiselle threatens several times to leave. Why does she end up staying?
(a) Nabokov's mother threatens her.
(b) Nabokov's mother gives her a raise.
(c) Nabokov's mother talks her into staying
(d) Nabokov's mother gives her gifts.

5. Why, when Nabokov is a child, is he terrified of the dark?
(a) He seems to lose himself in the pitch black.
(b) He is afraid of monsters under his bed.
(c) He thinks burglars will come into his room.
(d) He is afraid his home will catch on fire.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mr. Cummings influence Nabokov's scientific drawings of butterflies?

2. What is a battle against the yawning darkness?

3. What is the process by which Vladimir Nabokov writes "Speak, Memory?"

4. What are two events that Nabokov remembers watching outside his mother's window?

5. Who are some of the ancestors on Nabokov's paternal, Russian side?

(see the answer key)

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