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

2. At Pnin's housewarming party, what guest tells him she has become engaged?

3. In Chapter 5, whom does Pnin meet at the cabin who is an artist?

4. How does the fall semester at Pnin's college begin?

5. What does Victor smell and hear at his school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pnin give to Victor during their first meeting?

2. What are a few examples of what the students at Waindell College do at the beginning of every year?

3. Describe Victor's art teacher, Lake.

4. Describe the character of Victor.

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

6. What has happened with Dr. Eric Wind and Liza in Chapter 4?

7. Who are some of the people that Pnin invites to his housewarming party in Chapter 6?

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

9. What does Victor Wind fantasize about during school?

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

Pnin tells many stories throughout the action of the main story. Explore the author's use of the literary device story-within-a-story in the novel "Pnin".

Part 1) Is the author using stories-within-a-story to parody views of the world?

Part 2) Is the author using stories-within-a-story to give background about particular characters or events?

Part 3) How is this literary device effective in the novel "Pnin"?

Essay Topic 2

The author gives many details about Pnin's personality through description and with flashbacks. Analyze the use of flashbacks used in the novel "Pnin". How does the use of flashbacks help to develop the characters? Are the flashbacks used in "Pnin" important for the development of his character? Are flashbacks confusing or helpful?

Essay Topic 3

The story of Pnin can be enhanced by learning about the author of the book. Research the author Vladimir Nabokov, comparing him to the character of Professor Timofey Pnin. How are Pnin and Nabokov similar? How are Pnin and Nabokov different? Why would Nabokov write a book that clearly is very related to his own life? How is "Pnin" an indicator of Nabokov's life as an immigrant?

(see the answer keys)

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