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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 Kira go to work?

2. How does Kira describe the way she responds to the feelings she has had throughout her life?

3. What does Galina ask Kira for?

4. Who tells Kira that he trusts her, although he doesn't know why?

5. How does Galina react to the new apartment?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens when Alexander closes his textile shop?

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

5. Why does Maria hide her handkerchiefs?

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

7. What is interesting about Kira and Andrei's relationship?

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

9. What makes Andrei different from many other Communist supporters?

10. Why does Kira have Andrei drop her off near her parents' apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many different relationships in "We the Living": family, romantic, intimate, co-worker... Choose one type of relationship and describe the different ways characters act and respond to that relationship. What are the best parts? What parts are flawed? What characters succeed because of the relationship? What characters fail? What is Ayn Rand saying about that type of relationship?

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

As "We the Living" progresses, Communism's ideals are slowly dissolved and the Party is proven to be quite corrupt. Give three examples of how this transformation occurs from beginning to end of the novel.

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