Midterm examination rus 424

Russian 424
Midterm Exam
Name:
Due Date: 10/18/05

1. (5) Discuss how the 19th century society viewed the role of a noblewoman as described in AK Chaps 1 and 2 (10 sentences minimum)

2. (5) Provide example citations and discuss Tolstoy’s use of symbolism in AK Chaps 1 and 2 (10 sentences)

3. (5) Provide example citations and discuss Tolstoy’s use of foreshadowing in AK Chap 1 and 2. (15 sentences)

4. (3) How is Tolstoy’s style different from the style of other novels set or written about the 19th century? (3 sentences)

5. (2) Name 5 main themes in Chapters 1 and 2 of AK.

6. (1) How is Anna Karenina related to Dolly Oblonskaya (Oblonsky)?

7. (3) What is zemstvo? (3 sentences)

8. (2) With regard to chapters 1 and 2 of AK, describe how Vronsky takes advantage of the various situations to see AK illicitly? Why is she important to him from the standpoint of his “rank” in high society? (5 sentences)

9. (5) Describe the literary salons of the 19th-20th century Europe. (10 sentences)

10. (1) Where does the phrase Werther-like passion come from? What kind of a passion is this? (2 sentences)

11. (4) Which character in AK is the “double” of Tolstoy himself in your opinion? Compare and contrast Tolstoy – the man and his beliefs and this character. (7 sentences)

12. (2) Name 2 popular spas where Russian nobility liked to “take the cures”. Which characters in AK pay a visit to the spa in Chaps 1 and 2?

13. (5) Discuss two characters in AK who are intellectuals and seem to “lack heart” (6 sentences)

14. (5) Compare and contrast the feeling Masha has in Family Happiness while taking the sacrament/following the sacrament and the feeling following her wedding. (7 sentences)

15. (5) Furnish citations and analyze the use of foreshadowing in Family Happiness (10 sentences)

16. (5) Is Tolstoy’s portrayal of Daddy Eroshka, Maryanka, and Lukashka in the Cossacks romantic or realistic? Provide examples (15 sentences)

17. (1) Name another great Russian writer who wrote stories about Ukrainian life during the 19th century. Name at least one of his novels/novelettes (+1 extra credit for every other novel/ novelette/short story dealing with Ukrainian life by this famous author)

18. (1) In what ways does Olenin make the Cossacks feel wary of him? (3 sentences)

19. (5) Discuss the most poignant scene in Prisoner of the Mountains (the movie). Would Tolstoy (if he lived to see this movie) have approved/disapproved of this scene in your opinion. (15 sentences)

20. (5) One statement that can be made about Father Sergius (1898) is “Pride does not have a place in a religious vocation.” Formulate another theme or idea about this work and discuss it. Tolstoy was excommunicated by the ROC in 1901. Could the ROC find some objectionable material in Father Sergius in your opinion? Provide citations and discuss (15 sentences)

21. (15 points) Essay 1 Examine social change in the 19th century Russian society and the characters’ reactions to this change based on AK Chapters 1 and 2.(1 page answer required)

22. (15 points) Essay 2 How satisfied are you with the denouement of Father Sergius? Why do you think Tolstoy chose to end the story this way? (1 page answer required)