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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. Prince Nicholas Bolkonsky believes in only two vices and two virtues. What are they?

2. Nicholas goes to Tilsit to request a pardon for Denisov. To whom does he initially appeal and how is he received?

3. At the club dinner, what is Pierre so preoccupied with that he doesn't hear what is being said to him?

4. The Rostovs are celebrating at their home in the very beginning of Book One. What is the reason for entertaining guests?

5. Nichols has returned to his regiment. How does the regiment respond to his arrival and how does he react?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Tushin called in to speak to Bagration and what is the result of his interview?

3. What are the obvious differences between Prince Andrew and Pierre that is illustrated at the start of the story?

4. What makes Nicholas decide to go home on leave just after Natasha's engagement?

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Explore Prince Andrew's mental and emotional changes in the story. What brings about each change? How is each change important to the action following it? How does his experience at Austerlizt affect his homecoming and later meeting with Pierre? How do you think his changes affect those around him? Consider other important changes to his character in your essay.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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