- 1. Invitation To A Beheading is a profound and surreal novel by Vladimir Nabokov, first published in 1936, that explores themes of identity, existence, and the nature of reality through the peculiar plight of its protagonist, Cincinnatus C., who is sentenced to death for the ambiguous crime of 'gautsch.' As he awaits execution in a bizarre and oppressive prison environment, Cincinnatus grapples with the absurdities of his situation, reflecting on the nature of freedom and the constraints imposed upon the human spirit by society. The narrative unfolds with an intricate blend of dark humor and existential dread, showcasing Nabokov's masterful use of language and his ability to convey complex ideas through vivid imagery and rich symbolism. Throughout the novel, the surreal atmosphere juxtaposes Cincinnatus's inner thoughts with the external world's absurdity, highlighting the theme of alienation and the struggle for individuality in a conformist society. Nabokov's exploration of the absurdity of the human condition, coupled with his stylistic brilliance, makes 'Invitation To A Beheading' a striking commentary on the trials of consciousness and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
What is the main character's name in 'Invitation to a Beheading'?
A) Gennady
B) Boris
C) Cincinnatus C.
D) Demonique
- 2. What is the setting of the novel?
A) A school
B) A prison
C) A city
D) A mansion
- 3. Who is the author of 'Invitation to a Beheading'?
A) Anton Chekhov
B) Fyodor Dostoevsky
C) Leo Tolstoy
D) Vladimir Nabokov
- 4. Who visits Cincinnatus during his imprisonment?
A) His mother
B) His brother
C) His wife
D) His father
- 5. What literary device is heavily utilized in the novel?
A) Foreshadowing
B) Personification
C) Allegory
D) Symbolism
- 6. How is the bureaucratic system portrayed in the novel?
A) Fair
B) Efficient
C) Compassionate
D) Absurd
- 7. What does Cincinnatus often question?
A) The existence of God
B) The meaning of life
C) His own morality
D) The nature of reality
- 8. What motif recurs throughout the novel?
A) Rebirth
B) Beheading
C) War
D) Love
- 9. What does the prison symbolize in the novel?
A) Freedom
B) Hope
C) Security
D) Oppression
- 10. What does Cincinnatus often ponder about during his confinement?
A) Wealth
B) Friendship
C) Adventure
D) Existence
- 11. What type of government is depicted in the novel?
A) Monarchical
B) Democratic
C) Totalitarian
D) Anarchic
- 12. Who is Cincinnatus's wife?
A) Alice
B) Olga
C) Marthe
D) Zinaida
- 13. Which character represents the oppressive nature of the state?
A) Cincinnatus himself
B) Marthe
C) Mademoiselle
D) The jailer
- 14. What literary style is employed by Nabokov in this novel?
A) Surrealism
B) Naturalism
C) Gothic
D) Realism
- 15. What does Cincinnatus dream about?
A) His execution
B) Meeting a friend
C) Escaping and freedom
D) His childhood
|