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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 meet outside of Kutuzov's quarters after the French have taken Smolensk?

2. What does Pierre do when he goes out into the streets of Moscow to find Napoleon?

3. Shortly after Natasha's recovery from her illness, why does Pierre decide not to visit with the Rostovs anymore?

4. Who stumbles out of the woods to join the Fifth Company before the battle of Krasnoe?

5. What does Natasha see happening to Mary in the future?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Napoleon say to Rapp about colds and medicine before the battle of Borodino?

2. How does Pierre comfort Natasha after she tries to kill herself and how does she regard his words?

3. What is Tolstoy's view of Count Rostopchin's actions in Moscow immediately preceding the arrival of the French?

4. What happens with Pierre after the reading of the Tsar's letter asking for money, serfs and equipment?

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

6. What has happened to Pierre to change Natasha's view about him?

7. How does Tolstoy view the causes of historical events (this is described while the French are in Moscow and the Russians are waiting in Tarútino for a good opportunity to attack)?

8. How does Tolstoy view the war and its causes?

9. How does the old prince behave toward Mary after his last stroke?

10. What happens to Pierre after he is taken prisoner by the French after meeting with Davout?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Andrew is reckless of his personal safety, or does he have delusions of grandeur? What motivates him at Borodino? Prince Andrew reflects a great deal on the nature of war and any role he might have in it. Explore his views about it and if they indicate that he is one or the other. Explore what leads up to Borodino and what follows in defending your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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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