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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. Where does the black market form?

2. What happens when Kira meets Leo for the second time?

3. Who asks a clerk for an extra week's ration card?

4. What political party is in command of Russia?

5. Who owns a factory before the revolution?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Leo's father's apartment?

2. Why does Victor say that Kira's wish to become an engineer is inappropriate?

3. Why does Maria hide her handkerchiefs?

4. Why are Alexander and Vasili reluctant to join the Communist Party?

5. Why does Kira fear for Leo's safety after their second meeting?

6. In what ways does Kira fail to follow the dictates of society?

7. Why does Kira's sister say that Kira always gets her way?

8. What do the men who shovel snow reveal about Communism?

9. Why does Leo feel there is much against him and Kira?

10. How does Stepan help Leo and Kira after he barges into their cabin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although they are never given the main focus in "We the Living", peasants are at the heart of Communism. Describe how Communism is meant to serve the peasants vs. how they are actually treated. Analyze the times in "We the Living" that peasants are described or alluded to. How do the characters in the novel respond to the peasantry? How does this reflect Communism?

Essay Topic 2

Kira spends the entire novel between two men. Describe how her relationships with Leo and Andrei set her up to not have either of them at the end of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Many objects are symbolic of the major themes in "We the Living". Choose at least three symbolic objects and describe what they represent, and how they are representative in the novel. Consider the impact on the characters as well as the reader.

(see the answer keys)

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