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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is their mother's reaction when she sees that her children have opened the presents from their stockings early and poorly rewrapped them?
(a) She laughs at their attempt at deception.
(b) She spots their deception and bursts into tears.
(c) She scolds them for trying to deceive her.
(d) She pretends to not see their poor rewrapping.

2. To what does Nabokov compare existence?
(a) A cradle rocking on the edge of an abyss.
(b) The sands in an hourglass.
(c) A rollercoaster ride.
(d) The seconds on a clock.

3. Why does little Vladimir close his eyes at the bottom of each stairway?
(a) He and his brother are playing hide and seek.
(b) His nanny is coaxing him up the stairs.
(c) He and his mother are playing a game on the way to the children's sleeping rooms.
(d) His father is taking him to bed.

4. What properties do the Nabokovs own until the Russian revolution?
(a) A large estate in St. Petersburg.
(b) Several large estates south of St. Petersburg.
(c) A large estate in Moscow.
(d) Several summer cottages on the Baltic Sea.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Though many doubt this ailment, What happens to Ivanovich?

2. To what is Nabokov's mother quite sensitive?

3. What is Nabokov's favorite medium?

4. What is a battle against the yawning darkness?

5. Why does Nabokov's mother often wander the estate's forest?

(see the answer key)

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