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

2. In Chapter 6, who will replace Pnin's friend as department head?

3. At the party in Chapter 5, where does Pnin know the other man who is close to his age from?

4. In Chapter 5, where is the cabin that Pnin is headed to located?

5. At the party in Chapter 5, who is the other man, beside Pnin, that is also considered a youngster?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Victor's art teacher, Lake.

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

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

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

6. Why might Pnin's teaching position be in jeopardy at the college?

7. Why is Pnin somewhat sad after visiting with Betty Bliss?

8. What is Pnin worried that he might have broken at the end of Chapter 6?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the character of Victor, and examine how he affects Pnin's life.

Part 1) What kind of person is Victor? What are his strengths and weaknesses?

Part 2) How has Victor affected Pnin?

Part 3) What kind of relationship do Pnin and Victor have?

Essay Topic 2

One of the prevailing themes in "Pnin" is the life of an immigrant. Explore the theme of Pnin's life as an immigrant and the prejudices that he encounters.

Part 1) What does being an immigrant mean?

Part 2) What are some examples of prejudices in the novel?

Part 3) Is Pnin aware of the prejudices he encounters?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter Four, the author makes a subtle satire of science. Satire is mainly a literary genre or structure. Examine the use of satire in the novel "Pnin". How does the author use satire with science and why? What point is the author trying to make? How does the use of satire affect the overall tone of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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