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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To whom is Chapter Five devoted?
(a) Nabokov's mother.
(b) Nabokov's governess.
(c) Nabokov's father.
(d) Nabokov's wife.

2. Who are some of the ancestors on Nabokov's paternal, Russian side?
(a) A prominent Caholic cardinal, a physician, and Dmitri Nabokov, an inventor.
(b) An explorer, the sister of a prominent Decembrist, and Dmitri Nabokov, the author's grandfather, who served as Minister of Justice for eight years.
(c) A government leader, an opera singer, and Dmitri Nabokov, the surgeon.
(d) A lawyer, scientist, and Dmitri Nabokov, a well-known actor.

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

4. Who occupies one of the estates near St. Petersburg when not abroad?
(a) Nabokov's cousin, Yuri.
(b) Nabokov's uncle, Vasiliy Ivanovich.
(c) Vyra, Nabokov's wife.
(d) Nabokov's father, Dmitri.

5. What is Nabokov's favorite medium?
(a) Drawing.
(b) Clay.
(c) Watercolors.
(d) Oils.

Short Answer Questions

1. What mystifies the two boys about Mademoiselle?

2. During one such trip in the summer of 1909, who does young Nabokov meet?

3. Who accompanies Vladimir and his companion on the beach?

4. From where is the family returning to Russia?

5. How many years does Mademoiselle spend with the family?

Short Essay Questions

1. He also had several art instructors. Who are they and what does he learn from them?

2. When does Nabokov begin to write poetry?

3. How do the Nabokovs travel from St. Petersburg to Paris?

4. What happens to the Greek tutor, Ordo?

5. What schooling does Nabokov's father receive?

6. Nabokov is surprised to learn of what happens to several of his art teachers in the future. Why?

7. Who is Kirill?

8. What is a difficulty that Russian writers endure?

9. Describe Nabokov's mother.

10. What is wrong about the books that young Vladimir finds in the attic?

(see the answer keys)

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