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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Nabokov reveal about his mind?
(a) He hallucinates.
(b) He has a great short-term memory.
(c) He always associates sounds with colors.
(d) He has depression.

2. What has Nabokov always had difficulty doing?
(a) Sleeping.
(b) Writing.
(c) Speaking in public.
(d) Eating.

3. What is a battle against the yawning darkness?
(a) Religion.
(b) Prayer.
(c) Autobiography.
(d) Love.

4. What does the rain cause to grow on the estate?
(a) Mushrooms.
(b) Hibiscus.
(c) Geraniums.
(d) Grass.

5. What is the process by which Vladimir Nabokov writes "Speak, Memory?"
(a) The autobiographical novel is culled from essays on his life.
(b) The autobiographical novel is culled from essays written by the author's son.
(c) The autobiographical novel is culled from Russian history books.
(d) The autobiographical novel is culled from stories told to him by family members.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who is referred to simply as "Mademoiselle?"

3. Of what descent is Nabokov's mother?

4. What does Nabokov learn to read and write before Russian or French?

5. After his retirement, from what does Dimitri Nabokov begin to suffer?

(see the answer key)

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