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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 happens to Kutuzov after he sees the Tsar at Vilna?

2. How does Natasha react when Anatole tells her he is in love with her?

3. Where do the Rostovs go after leaving Moscow?

4. Why does Nicholas go to Voronezh?

5. How does the old Prince Bolkonski react to Marya Dmitrievna's visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Pierre and Andrew's meeting before the battle of Borodino go?

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

3. Why is Davout so rude to Balashev when he goes to meet with Napoleon?

4. Why do the French end up abandoning a city that was their emperor's goal in invading Russia?

5. How do Mary and Natasha overcome their grief?

6. What happens to Nicholas when he and his regiment attack the French at Ostróvna?

7. How does Tolstoy view the war and its causes?

8. In what state is Andrew when Natasha finds him traveling with her family out of Moscow, and what is his reaction to seeing her?

9. Why is Kutuzov at odds with his generals while they are waiting for the French to leave Moscow?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In the story nearly as much narrative is devoted to combat as to society... or it may seem that way. Describe the juxtaposition of the two elements and their importance to the story. How is it or not? Why is it or not?

Essay Topic 3

Explore Prince Andrew's mental and emotional changes in the story. What brings about each change? How is each change important to the action following it? How does his experience at Austerlizt affect his homecoming and later meeting with Pierre? How do you think his changes affect those around him? Consider other important changes to his character in your essay.

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