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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 does Dostoevsky characterize Golyadkin’s reaction to Petrushka’s livery?

2. Where does Golyadkin find Petrushka when he looks for him?

3. What unpleasant impression does Golyadkin have as he leaves Krestyan Ivanovich’s office?

4. How does Dostoevsky describe Golyadkin’s appearance?

5. How is Golyadkin characterized as he leaves the banquet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kinds of goods does Golyadkin go shopping for at Nevsky Prospekt?

2. What does Dostoevsky say about the money Golyadkin counts and relishes?

3. Describe the reader’s introduction to Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin.

4. What confession does Golyadkin make to Krestyan Ivanovich?

5. Describe Golyadkin’s arrival at Olsufy Ivanovich’s house.

6. Describe the weather into which Golyadkin is expelled from the banquet.

7. What does the scene in Krestyan Ivanovich’s office tell the reader about Golyadkin’s personality?

8. Describe Golyadkin’s first encounter with his double.

9. Describe Golyadkin’s departure from the banquet.

10. Describe Golyadkin’s feelings on leaving Olsufy Ivanovich’s house.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is missing from this book? What should have been covered or presented that was not? What is the effect of this absence? Describe an element that ought to have been covered, and explain why it would have made the book stronger.

Essay Topic 2

What are the particular techniques Dostoevsky uses to convey the horror of Golyadkin’s situation? How does he keep the reader’s interest, and preserve the reader’s sense of strangeness in this encounter? What information is provided, and what information is withheld?

Essay Topic 3

The Double is subtitled “A Petersburg Tale”: What makes it particular to St. Petersburg? What can you tell about Petersburg society, from Dostoevsky’ account of Golyadkin’s life and the appearance of his double?

(see the answer keys)

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