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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To what is Nabokov's mother quite sensitive?
(a) Insults.
(b) Seemingly small events.
(c) Perfume.
(d) Insect bites.

2. It is unusual for aristocrats in Russian to be hanged, and as a child, what does Nabokov call the trail through the woods on the estate where a previous owner had been hanged?
(a) The "Road to a Hanging."
(b) The "Hanging Rope."
(c) The "walk of the Hanged One."
(d) The "Path of the Hanged."

3. How does Nabokov open his autobiography?
(a) With a short review of Russian history.
(b) With a short meditation on the periods of inexistence before birth and after death.
(c) With a short story about the birth of his son.
(d) With an examination of his early childhood.

4. How do the aristocrats confront the ocean waves?
(a) On a boat.
(b) By diving in.
(c) With the help of professional bathers.
(d) By swimming in groups.

5. What is memorable about this first memory?
(a) He realizes he has the ability to control his own body.
(b) He understands that he is a separate being from his father and mother.
(c) He wonders where his parents are.
(d) He understands that everyone must eat.

6. During one such trip in the summer of 1909, who does young Nabokov meet?
(a) A young British girl, named Beth.
(b) A young Spanish girl, named Clara.
(c) A young German girl, named Brigitte.
(d) A young French girl, named Colette.

7. They board the Sud-Express and disembark in what town?
(a) Nice.
(b) Marseille.
(c) Brest.
(d) Biarritz.

8. What does this hobby do to him?
(a) It helps him make friends.
(b) It encourages him to study.
(c) It encourages him to spend time outside.
(d) It isolates him throughout life.

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

10. With what is the aristocratic Nabokov house stocked?
(a) English and French amenities.
(b) German beer.
(c) French literature.
(d) Russian antiques.

11. How does the family spend their time in this town?
(a) On the beach.
(b) On a boat.
(c) Mountain climbing.
(d) Shopping.

12. What would change throughout Nabokov's childhood, depending on the prevailing advice of the family's current medical consultant?
(a) How much he exercises.
(b) The temperature in his home.
(c) The medicines his mother uses.
(d) The temperature of the bath water.

13. How many years does Mademoiselle spend with the family?
(a) Seven.
(b) Seventeen.
(c) Two
(d) Five.

14. Of what are Nabokov's memories in a Russian setting?
(a) A quite Russian childhood.
(b) A quite French childhood.
(c) A quite German childhood.
(d) A quite English childhood.

15. When does Nabokov see Mademoiselle again after she is no longer in their household?
(a) In New York after the family emigrates to the U.S.
(b) In London while Nabokov is at Cambridge.
(c) In Paris right before the war.
(d) In Lausanne after the war.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Nabokov's mother do on the trip to Paris?

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

4. How long does the family stay in Paris?

5. Why does little Vladimir close his eyes at the bottom of each stairway?

(see the answer keys)

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