The Gambler — Questions and answers

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In the German spa town of Roulettenburg, what was Alexei Ivanovich's occupation?

Choices

  1. He was a gambler seeking his fortune at the casino.
  2. He was a companion to Polina, the General's stepdaughter.
  3. He was a secretary awaiting news of a rich aunt's death.
  4. He was a tutor in the service of a Russian General. ✓

Answer: He was a tutor in the service of a Russian General.

From page 1

What did Polina instruct Alexei Ivanovich to do for her in the gardens?

Choices

  1. She asked him to go to the casino and play roulette for her. ✓
  2. She requested that he leave Roulettenburg immediately.
  3. She ordered him to confront the General about his debts.
  4. She told him to follow her on the promenade and protect her.

Answer: She asked him to go to the casino and play roulette for her.

From page 2

Who arrived at the General's suite, unexpectedly, instead of the telegram the General was waiting for?

Choices

  1. Polina's estranged father, demanding to see her.
  2. Antonida Vasilyevna, the Moscow aunt, arrived in person. ✓
  3. Mademoiselle Blanche's family arrived unexpectedly.
  4. A messenger from the casino with news of a big win.

Answer: Antonida Vasilyevna, the Moscow aunt, arrived in person.

From page 3

What was the outcome of Antonida Vasilyevna's gambling at the roulette table?

Choices

  1. She broke even after several hours of playing.
  2. She won a small fortune and then stopped playing.
  3. She lost nearly everything in a single evening of playing. ✓
  4. She refused to play, finding the game too confusing.

Answer: She lost nearly everything in a single evening of playing.

From page 4

Why did Polina throw money in Alexei Ivanovich's face after de Grieux abandoned her?

Choices

  1. She wanted him to take the money and leave Roulettenburg.
  2. She believed he was responsible for her financial ruin.
  3. She was testing his loyalty to see if he would pick it up.
  4. She was furious at her own powerlessness and being de Grieux's debtor. ✓

Answer: She was furious at her own powerlessness and being de Grieux's debtor.

From page 5

How much money did Alexei Ivanovich win at the Trente-et-Quarante tables in less than an hour?

Choices

  1. He won two hundred thousand francs. ✓
  2. He won a few thousand francs.
  3. He won enough to pay Polina's debt.
  4. He won fifty thousand francs.

Answer: He won two hundred thousand francs.

From page 6

How did Polina react when Alexei Ivanovich presented her with his winnings?

Choices

  1. She gratefully accepted the money and declared herself free.
  2. She asked him to return the money to the casino immediately.
  3. She refused to take any of the money, seeing it as a feverish attempt to buy her. ✓
  4. She was indifferent to the money, stating it was not enough.

Answer: She refused to take any of the money, seeing it as a feverish attempt to buy her.

From page 7

What happened to Alexei Ivanovich's fortune after Polina left?

Choices

  1. He gambled it all away in the casinos of Paris.
  2. He invested it wisely and became a wealthy man in Paris.
  3. Mademoiselle Blanche spent it all on silks, champagne, and luxuries in Paris. ✓
  4. He gave it away to various charities in Paris.

Answer: Mademoiselle Blanche spent it all on silks, champagne, and luxuries in Paris.

From page 8

What news did Mr. Astley deliver to Alexei Ivanovich in Homburg?

Choices

  1. Polina had married de Grieux and was living happily in Switzerland.
  2. Mademoiselle Blanche had returned to Paris and wanted to see him.
  3. The General had recovered his wealth and was looking for Alexei Ivanovich.
  4. Babushka had died, leaving her fortune to Polina, who loved Alexei Ivanovich. ✓

Answer: Babushka had died, leaving her fortune to Polina, who loved Alexei Ivanovich.

From page 9

What decision did Alexei Ivanovich make despite having money to go to Polina in Switzerland?

Choices

  1. He decided to go to the casino for a few last turns of the wheel. ✓
  2. He decided to travel to another spa town to avoid Polina.
  3. He decided to return the money to Mr. Astley.
  4. He decided to invest the money in a new business venture.

Answer: He decided to go to the casino for a few last turns of the wheel.

From page 10