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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Lenski's idea for the use of Magic-Lantern Projections?

2. Why does Max endear himself to the dogs?

3. Who rents a modest summer cottage called a dachka?

4. What casts a cloud over the exiled Russian intelligentsia?

5. In 1914, a sixteen-year-old Yuri visits the Nabokovs,and what does he produce?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What surprises Nabokov when he encounters his former nanny, "Mademoiselle," years later? What are two possible reasons for his confusion?

Essay Topic 2

Nabokov matures throughout this book.

Part 1) What evidence is there from the text that Nabokov is changing physically and emotionally?

Part 2) How does his father handle Nabokov's intimate questions, regarding changes in his body?

Part 3) Describe his relationships with girls. How do these relationships change as he grows up?

Essay Topic 3

Part of this autobiography observes the beginnings of Nabokov's literary talents.

Part 1) How do we first catch a glimpse of his talent as a writer?

Part 2) What is his process for creating his writing, at this stage in his life?

Part 3) How might the encouragement he receives from his family affect his writing career later in life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 307 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample