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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. What does Pierre do when he goes out into the streets of Moscow to find Napoleon?

2. Who does Maria Dmitrievna warn Natasha against?

3. Shortly after Natasha's recovery from her illness, why does Pierre decide not to visit with the Rostovs anymore?

4. Who does Alpatych meet when he goes to Smolensk?

5. What does Natasha see happening to Mary in the future?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Pierre comfort Natasha after she tries to kill herself and how does she regard his words?

2. What change does Pierre notice in the French soldiers guarding him and other prisoners when they are leaving Moscow and how does he regard it?

3. How does Sonya react to Natasha when she finds Anatole's letter to her?

4. What happens with Pierre after the reading of the Tsar's letter asking for money, serfs and equipment?

5. What is Tolstoy's view of Count Rostopchin's actions in Moscow immediately preceding the arrival of the French?

6. When the French are marching with the prisoners, what does Pierre notice of himself when marching and when resting?

7. Why does Natasha get so upset during her visit with the Bolkonskis?

8. How does Princess Mary react to Nicholas when he enters Andrew's home at Bogucharovo and how does he react to her?

9. While Moscow is being abandoned, what is everyone in St. Petersburg saying about Helene?

10. How does Helene resolve her dilemma over which of her two suitors she should marry?

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

Tolstoy frequently repeats descriptions of people and of their appearance and mannerisms. What is the effect of this on the reader? Is it important and if so why? Please use examples.

Essay Topic 3

Tolstoy was involved in the Crimean War and wrote about his experiences in Sevastapol Sketches. What do you think his view on war is based on War and Peace? Is there a character or characters who act as his mouthpiece? Who are they and how do they express his view? Be sure to reference particulars.

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This section contains 1,136 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample