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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. When does Nabokov eventually discover a new species?
(a) At Cambridge.
(b) Not until he is an old man, living in exile in the United States.
(c) As a small boy in Russia.
(d) In Germany visiting his family.

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

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

4. What does Nabokov learn to read and write before Russian or French?
(a) English.
(b) German.
(c) Swedish.
(d) Dutch.

5. Who accompanies Vladimir and his companion on the beach?
(a) A fox terrier.
(b) His cousiin, Yuri.
(c) The girl's little brother.
(d) A cocker spaniel.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why, when Nabokov is a child, is he terrified of the dark?

2. To what does the memory of the bracelet lead?

3. What is young Vladimir's main concern?

4. Where do the children bathe?

5. Of what are Nabokov's memories in a Russian setting?

Short Essay Questions

1. The aristocratic Nabokov house is stocked with English and French amenities. What are some of the amenities?

2. Nabokov's uncle, Vasiliy Ivanovich, is a diplomat and a dreamer, who occupies one of the estates near St. Petersburg when not abroad. What story does Nabokov recall about his uncle?

3. Why does Nabokov have trouble sleeping?

4. Who is Tamara?

5. What is a difficulty that Russian writers endure?

6. Describe Nabokov's encounters with his cousin, Yuri.

7. What happens to Dimitri Nabokov after his retirement?

8. Describe Nabokov's ancestors.

9. What does he learn about himself, regarding Russian poets?

10. Describe Nabokov's brother, Sergey.

(see the answer keys)

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