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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. This chapter is the first recorded work, published in French in 1936, under the name "Mademoiselle O."
(a) Chapter Five.
(b) Chapter Two.
(c) Chapter Seven.
(d) Chapter Four.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Nabokov compare existence?

2. What game does the whole family often play on the estate?

3. What does Nabokov call the process of using both the English and Russian translations of "Speak, Memory" to shape the current work?

4. What is their mother's reaction when she sees that her children have opened the presents from their stockings early and poorly rewrapped them?

5. What is the first memory Nabokov drags from the darkness?

(see the answer key)

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