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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 sort of man is Rostopchin?

2. Who joins Denisov in his guerrilla efforts?

3. Seven years after the war with France, how is Alexander regarded?

4. How does little Nicholas appear at the end of the book?

5. What does Napoleon say to Balashev after dinner about Alexander?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Pierre go after Borodino and how has he reacted to the battle?

2. Why do the French end up abandoning a city that was their emperor's goal in invading Russia?

3. Why is Kutuzov at odds with his generals while they are waiting for the French to leave Moscow?

4. In what state is Andrew when Natasha finds him traveling with her family out of Moscow, and what is his reaction to seeing her?

5. How does Helene resolve her dilemma over which of her two suitors she should marry?

6. What change does Pierre notice in the French soldiers guarding him and other prisoners when they are leaving Moscow and how does he regard it?

7. How do Mary and Natasha overcome their grief?

8. What does Tolstoy say changes in the nature of war when the French move from Smolensk to Moscow?

9. Why does Natasha get so upset during her visit with the Bolkonskis?

10. Why is Davout so rude to Balashev when he goes to meet with Napoleon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Count Rostov and Countess Rostova are very different from Prince Bolkonski. Compare and contrast fully. What is of merit and the opposite in qualities of the three? Be sure to make references from throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Tolstoy's use of minor characters as foils. How is their presence important? List some. What do they illuminate in the more important characters? How do we know they are foils? Are they catalysts in the change or do they merely act to illustrate the change? To write this essay, choose one of the three main characters and those involved mostly with that character and discuss this.

Essay Topic 3

Platon Karateev is a very simple man whose outlook on life deeply affects Pierre. Why is Pierre so drawn to him and what does he do and say that change Pierre's views and lead Pierre to a happier perspective on life?

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