Invitation To A Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov
- 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) Demonique
B) Boris
C) Cincinnatus C.
D) Gennady
- 2. What is the setting of the novel?
A) A city
B) A mansion
C) A prison
D) A school
- 3. Who is the author of 'Invitation to a Beheading'?
A) Fyodor Dostoevsky
B) Anton Chekhov
C) Vladimir Nabokov
D) Leo Tolstoy
- 4. Who visits Cincinnatus during his imprisonment?
A) His wife
B) His father
C) His brother
D) His mother
- 5. What literary device is heavily utilized in the novel?
A) Symbolism
B) Allegory
C) Foreshadowing
D) Personification
- 6. How is the bureaucratic system portrayed in the novel?
A) Efficient
B) Fair
C) Absurd
D) Compassionate
- 7. What does Cincinnatus often question?
A) His own morality
B) The existence of God
C) The meaning of life
D) The nature of reality
- 8. What motif recurs throughout the novel?
A) Beheading
B) Love
C) Rebirth
D) War
- 9. What does the prison symbolize in the novel?
A) Hope
B) Oppression
C) Freedom
D) Security
- 10. What does Cincinnatus often ponder about during his confinement?
A) Wealth
B) Adventure
C) Friendship
D) Existence
- 11. What type of government is depicted in the novel?
A) Totalitarian
B) Democratic
C) Monarchical
D) Anarchic
- 12. Who is Cincinnatus's wife?
A) Olga
B) Zinaida
C) Marthe
D) Alice
- 13. Which character represents the oppressive nature of the state?
A) Cincinnatus himself
B) Mademoiselle
C) The jailer
D) Marthe
- 14. What literary style is employed by Nabokov in this novel?
A) Realism
B) Gothic
C) Naturalism
D) Surrealism
- 15. What does Cincinnatus dream about?
A) Meeting a friend
B) Escaping and freedom
C) His childhood
D) His execution
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