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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. How are Vasili and Alexander similar before the revolution?

2. How does Victor respond to Kira's plans for her life?

3. How does Lydia respond when Andrei asks her to play the piano?

4. What job does Galina take?

5. Where does Kira go to work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Alexander closes his textile shop?

2. What happens between Kira and the British woman?

3. What is dishonest about the method that Galina and Kira's family use for packing saccharine tablets and crystals for resale?

4. What does Kira realize, after becoming more comfortable with her living conditions, about Communism?

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

6. Why does Kira think that returning to Petrograd is the start of something wonderful?

7. What sets Kira apart as an individual?

8. What is the purpose of the House of the Peasant?

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

10. What is Kira's work environment like at the House of the Peasant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Alexander and Galina respond to the many changes of this novel in their own way. How do they adapt to the move in and out of hiding, the new government, new jobs, and changes to their family structure? Reflect on how each character's ideals and beliefs change, or remain unchanged, in response to these new situations.

Essay Topic 2

At the conclusion of "We the Living", Kira tries to escape. Who else tries to escape in this novel? Describe their attempts and outcomes. Why does each character try to escape? What does their escape and outcome represent?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the many romantic relationships at play in "We the Living". Compare and contrast three of these relationships. What is each member's purpose in the relationship? Is the relationship a success or a failure? What impact does the relationship have on others? What does each relationship reflect about life in Russia at this time?

(see the answer keys)

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