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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. There is a lot of confusion on the bridge as the Russians try to cross it. What is their rush?

2. Why does General Mack go to Kutuzov's camp?

3. Who is Ilagin?

4. When Pierre goes to Anna Pavlovna's soiree, he is especially delighted to see...

5. Vera and Berg hold their first party. Who comes?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Prince Andrew changed by being involved in the war instead of St. Petersburg society? Why did this change occur?

2. What are the obvious differences between Prince Andrew and Pierre that is illustrated at the start of the story?

3. How does Pierre follow up with his attempts at self-purification and how does he view his fellow Masons?

4. What does Andrew think about after he is wounded?

5. When Nicholas goes to Olmutz to see Boris why does he get into an argument with Prince Andrew?

6. How does Andrew react to his trip to Brunn?

7. Why is Tushin called in to speak to Bagration and what is the result of his interview?

8. Why does the old Prince insist that Andrew delay his marriage for a year?

9. Prince Vasili is described in the beginning at Anna Pavlovna's soiree. What is Prince Vasili's most notable characteristic at this point in the story.

10. What does Pierre's steward think when Pierre goes to his estates and recommends reforms?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prince Andrew reflects a great deal on the nature of War. Explore his views about it and explain how it carves his final attitude.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Andrew's first visit with the Rostovs. What is the thing that symbolizes him and what happens to him during the visit and how does it relate to him? Describe the alteration from the beginning of the trip to the end and how the analogy with the object illustrates this.

Essay Topic 3

Are Tolstoy's characters "black" and "white"? Choose two of the "worst" and two of the "best" and use them to argue whether he looks at them in such a way. For example, how does he describe Helene, Anatole, Dolokhov, Mary, Sonya, or Pierre? Despite their actions, does he see them as acting with malice aforethought, or are their actions motivated by good intentions? You may choose other characters in addition to or instead of the above.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,130 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample