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. In Chapter 5, whom does Pnin wish could have been there to meet the artist at the party?

2. In Chapter 5, why does the artist who Pnin meets not being incredibly social?

3. How old are most of the men attending the party in Chapter 5?

4. In Chapter 5, who is the host of the party at the cabin?

5. What war is America in the midst of in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. How popular are Pnin's classes and how stable is his teaching position?

2. Where is the cabin located that Pnin is headed to at beginning of Chapter 5, and why is he going there?

3. Where is Pnin living in Chapter 6 and how does he feel about it?

4. Who are a few of the people who are attending the party in Chapter 5 with whom Pnin is acquainted?

5. What does Hagen tell Pnin before he leaves the party?

6. Who runs St. Bartholomew's? Describe in detail.

7. Why does Liza decide to send Victor to school at St. Bartholomew's?

8. Who is Al Cook's wife and why do they not have children?

9. Describe the character of Victor.

10. What are the ages of the men and women who are at the party in comparison to Pnin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a lot of emphasis in the novel "Pnin" about what is normal. Explore the theme of normalcy throughout the novel. Is Victor normal even though he is not like other children his age? Is Pnin considered normal even though he has some odd quirks? Who or what determines what is normal?

Essay Topic 2

Pnin's situation is almost somewhat hopeless and the reader can't help but feel sad for him. Analyze the theme of Pnin's misfortunes in life. What does the narrator say about Pnin's misfortunes in life? Is Pnin the cause of his own misfortunes? Is his situation with Liza hopeless? Why does Pnin comply with her? Is he the cause of most of his misfortunes?

Essay Topic 3

Pnin has many funny quirks, yet he has fears and some self-confidence issues too. Examine the concepts of fear and self-confidence, exploring how they relate to Pnin. What is the definition of fear? How can having fears affect one's self-confidence? What examples from the book demonstrate what Pnin fears? Would Pnin be considered a self-confident man? Where in the book does Pnin demonstrate his self-confidence, almost to his detriment?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 842 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample