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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Stavrogin catches up with Peter, what does Peter suggest to him?

2. How has public opinion shifted on the eve of the fête?

3. What does Stavrogin look for and not find in the final chapters?

4. What is Peter Verkhovensky concerned about when he rushes out of Virginsky's house?

5. What happens to Stavrogin as the novel concludes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Russianness consist of in The Possessed? Who possesses it? Who defends it? Who attacks it?

Essay Topic 2

Is there a consistent morality in The Possessed? Do violent people always pay a price for their acts of violence? Are criminals and scoundrels always caught and punished, or made to suffer somehow? Is innocent suffering redeemed?

Essay Topic 3

What kinds of violence are depicted in The Possessed? Are there different rules and expectations for each kind of violence? Are some kinds of violence more effective in resolving problems than others? Is violence ever a useful tool in The Possessed, or is it always merely destructive?

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This section contains 294 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample