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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. Who does Andrew hear and see shortly after the first shot before the action at Schon Grabern?

2. Andrew goes to Speranski's for dinner What does he think of him and his company?

3. With great enthusiasm, Pierre has become a Freemason. What does he write in his diary regarding his pursuit of a more pure life?

4. Who does Dolokhov propose to?

5. Nicholas is told to give a message to the Tsar. What happens after that?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pierre's steward think when Pierre goes to his estates and recommends reforms?

2. Why do the three princesses living at Count Bezukhov's treat Pierre so badly?

3. Why does Nicholas feel troubled on seeing the Tsar with Napoleon?

4. Why does the old Prince insist that Andrew delay his marriage for a year?

5. Why is Anna Mikhaylovna so eager to help Pierre?

6. When Nicholas goes to Olmutz to see Boris why does he get into an argument with Prince Andrew?

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

8. Why does Kutuzov not push his troops into combat?

9. Why is Pierre so unconcerned for his future?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prince Andrew reflects a great deal on the nature of War. Explore his views about it and explain how it carves his final attitude.

Essay Topic 2

Are Tolstoy's characters "black" and "white"? Choose two of the "worst" and two of the "best" and use them to argue whether he looks at them in such a way. For example, how does he describe Helene, Anatole, Dolokhov, Mary, Sonya, or Pierre? Despite their actions, does he see them as acting with malice aforethought, or are their actions motivated by good intentions? You may choose other characters in addition to or instead of the above.

Essay Topic 3

Tolstoy frequently repeats descriptions of people and of their appearance and mannerisms. What is the effect of this on the reader? Is it important and if so why? Please use examples.

(see the answer keys)

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