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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What consolation does Yegor give to Pelageya when he leaves her?

2. To whom does Stepanych compare himself during his youthful days of lecturing?

3. In "The Fidget", Osip Dymov is __________.

4. What feeling overtakes Kovrin to the point that it worries him?

5. What happens to Vassily Sergeich's family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What will happen to Vanka at the end of his story?

2. Why does Katya leave to the Caucasus?

3. How does Ieronym invite the narrator of "Easter Night" to ask about Ieronym's sorrows? How does he hint at his current sorrow?

4. What is Katya's response to Nikolai when he writes a letter not to condemn the actors but the art of acting? What does this show about her character?

5. Describe Maria's upbringing under Andreich. What is Andreich's role in her life?

6. What does the Tartar think of Vassily and the Explainer? Who does he respect more and why?

7. How does real life affect Varka's sleep at night?

8. How does Grigoriev react to his punishment?

9. What does Ivan Velikopolsky in "The Student" see in the present that reminds him of the past? How does he connect the two?

10. Compare Nikolai Stepanych's (A Boring Story) public name to the real person.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does familiarity help those in grieving moments? For example, the woman who might have reminded Ieronym of Nikolai (Easter Night), Vanka (Vanka) writing to his grandfather, or Varka (Sleepy Night) dreaming of her late parents. Why is familiarity consoling? Feel free to use other examples as well.

Essay Topic 2

In "Peasant Women", Varvara would much rather sin than live the life of an obedient wife of Alyoshka and Sofya is a little envious she did not sin when she was younger. Based on "Peasant Women", what drives women to become "sinful"?

Essay Topic 3

Nevyrazimov (Small Fry) and Vanka (Vanka) are just two examples of how the lack of education can stop a person's wishes. The wishes may be moving up in the world or lateral in position but better in conditions. Write an essay on how and why the poor stay poor? Why is it so difficult for the poor to get out of current situations? Is it a lack of hard work? Is it a lack of opportunities? Is it a lack of motivation?

(see the answer keys)

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