Chapter Chronology

Quiz for Primary Source 15.3: A German Account of Russian Life

Question

1. According to Olearius, what vice plagued Russian life?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is a. As Olearius described the situation, public drunkenness was common “among people of every station, clergy and laity, high and low, men and women, old and young.”
Incorrect. The answer is a. As Olearius described the situation, public drunkenness was common “among people of every station, clergy and laity, high and low, men and women, old and young.”

Question

2. What danger did Olearius link to Russian social and economic conditions?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is a. Olearius noted that when Russian serfs were pushed past their breaking point, they were capable of ferocious uprisings.
Incorrect. The answer is a. Olearius noted that when Russian serfs were pushed past their breaking point, they were capable of ferocious uprisings.

Question

3. How did Olearius explain the alleged discord between many Russian husbands and wives?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is d. Commenting on this practice, Olearius concluded, “No wonder therefore that often they [husbands and wives] live together like cats and dogs and that wife-beating is so common among the Russians.”
Incorrect. The answer is d. Commenting on this practice, Olearius concluded, “No wonder therefore that often they [husbands and wives] live together like cats and dogs and that wife-beating is so common among the Russians.”

Question

4. Which of these best sums up Olearius’s opinion of Russian society and culture?

A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct. The answer is d. As Olearius summed up his views, “If the Russians be considered in respect to their character, customs, and way of life, they are justly to be counted among the barbarians.”
Incorrect. The answer is d. As Olearius summed up his views, “If the Russians be considered in respect to their character, customs, and way of life, they are justly to be counted among the barbarians.”