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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 does Nicholas do after it is discovered that Denisov's money has been stolen?

2. 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?

3. Pierre goes to visit Prince Andrew at Bogucharovo. How does Andrew appear to him?

4. Andrew receives a letter from Bilibin. How does he react to it?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Pierre so unconcerned for his future?

4. What happens between Bazdeev and Pierre at the post station?

5. What goes through Andrew's mind during the New Years Eve ball?

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

7. How is Andrew like his father?

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

9. What happens with Andrew at the war council and what leads up to it?

10. What does Nicholas do that gets him in trouble with his superior officers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sonya and Mary: Nicholas is drawn to them both. Why? Explore the differences between the two, how they change through the book and how Nicholas' viewpoint changes and why.

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 uses many literary devices. Choose one from the following list and explore how he uses it throughout the story. Be sure to reference to defend your argument.

Foreshadowing, epiphany, juxtaposition, repetition of words, coincidence, conflict.

(see the answer keys)

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