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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. The Rostovs are celebrating at their home in the very beginning of Book One. What is the reason for entertaining guests?
(a) It is the old Count's birthday.
(b) It is Natasha's birthday.
(c) It is the name day of the Countess and her daughter, Natasha.
(d) It is Oktoberfest.

2. When Murat sees the Russian forces gathering he thinks it is the entire Army. What does he do upon seeing this?
(a) He offers a cease fire for three days so he can attack them all at once.
(b) He writes to Napoleon requesting advice.
(c) He does nothing until the following day when he attacks.
(d) He attacks them immediately.

3. After the Council of War before the battle of Austerlitz, Prince Andrew reflects on what is being said. What are his thoughts?
(a) He wanted to contribute but couldn't. He hopes to act on his own and achieve the glory he longs for.
(b) He is consumed with fear that he may die the next day.
(c) He is bored by the discussion, wants to change the entire plan.
(d) He is shocked at Kutuzov's inattention to it and resents the lack of opportunity to state his ideas.

4. Princess Mary leaves her father's study after speaking with him about the Kuragins. What occurs very shortly after that?
(a) She confides in Mlle. Bourienne that she thinks Anatole is handsome and hopes he will propose.
(b) She goes to her room weeping in the knowledge that no one will ever want to marry such a plain young woman as she.
(c) She discovers Anatole in the conservatory with his arm around Mlle. Bourienne.
(d) She goes to talk with Lise, asking her what married life is like.

5. At the club dinner, what is Pierre so preoccupied with that he doesn't hear what is being said to him?
(a) He is angry that Dolokhov, who has no connections, has been made an officer but still lives off Pierre's good will and takes his money.
(b) He is bewildered by all the things people expect of him and wishes he had not inherited such responsibility with his fortune.
(c) He is reflecting on remarks Catiche has made and an anonymous letter saying that his wife is cheating on him with Dolokhov.
(d) He is tipsy with wine and is absentmindedly staring at a candlestick.

Short Answer Questions

1. Prince Andrew goes to the Rostovs' as Count Rostov is the Marshal for the district and he must see him on account of his being trustee of the Ryazan estate. How does he react to being with the Rostov's from beginning to end?

2. Why does Nicholas need to whisper to his wolf hound?

3. Natasha goes into the conservatory to hide when her family is first introduced. What is she waiting for?

4. Nicholas is patrolling the picket lines. What is a picket?

5. How does Count Rostov react when he hears about Nicholas' card game?

Short Essay Questions

1. Dolokhov wants to beat Rostov at cards and sets a monetary number for himself. What is this number and how and why does he arrive at it?

2. Why is Pierre so unconcerned for his future?

3. Dolokhov was last seen at Austerlitz talking back to a superior officer. What has happened since that time?

4. What leads Pierre to challenge Dolokhov to a duel?

5. What strange aspect do readers see in Dolokhov in the chapters following the duel?

6. How does Pierre follow up with his attempts at self-purification and how does he view his fellow Masons?

7. How does Andrew react to his trip to Brunn?

8. Prince Vasili is described in the beginning at Anna Pavlovna's soiree. What is Prince Vasili's most notable characteristic at this point in the story.

9. How has Prince Andrew changed by being involved in the war instead of St. Petersburg society? Why did this change occur?

10. How does the old prince react to Lise's death and why?

(see the answer keys)

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