View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Tolstoy think Napoleon started the war with Russia?

2. Who is the "King of Rome"?

3. Who is the first to see the French at Ostrovna?

4. What brings about the change in Andrew in Yaroslavl?

5. When does Sonya write to Nicholas and release him from his promise to marry her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Nicholas feel he cannot marry Mary?

2. While Moscow is being abandoned, what is everyone in St. Petersburg saying about Helene?

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

4. What happens between the Tsar and Kutuzov at Vilna after the last battle the Russians have with the French?

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

6. 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)?

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

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

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

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

Natasha goes pretty quickly from grieving for Andrew to falling in love with Pierre. What does this say about her character? Be specific.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Dolokhov's character. Is he a villain or heroic? Why/why not? Use examples through out the story to defend your point.

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)

This section contains 1,148 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample