How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
And the tiny house was so spacious that with grateful surprise, Pnin thought that had there been no Russian Revolution, no exodus, no expatriation in France, no naturalization in America, everything—at the best, at the best, Timofey—would have been much the same: a professorship in Kharkov or Kazan, a suburban house such as this, old books within, late blooms without. (6.4.3)
Why do you think Pnin imagines there was no Russian Revolution just because he got a new house? What does the revolution have to do with his homelessness? Also, do you think the narrator is correct? Would Pnin have been the same even without the revolution?
Quote #8
"Come, my fluorescent corpse, let's be moving," said Joan. "It was so nice to see you, Herman. Give my love to Irmgard. What a delightful party. I have never seen Timofey so happy." "Yes, thank you," answered Hagen absent-mindedly. "You should have seen his face," said Joan, "when he told us he was going to talk to a real-estate man tomorrow about buying that dream house." "He did? You're sure he said that?" Hagen asked sharply. "Quite sure," said Joan. "And if anybody needs a house, it is certainly Timofey." (6.11.27)
We have to say that Joan is probably the character who most understands Pnin in the whole novel. Here, she and her husband are leaving his housewarming party and telling Dr. Hagen that Pnin plans to become a homeowner. Why do you think she says that "if anybody needs a house, is certainly Timofey?" Also, what does it tell you about their relationship that she calls him Timofey and not Pnin, like everyone else?
Quote #9
This is unfortunate, because Waindell feels that it would be too much of a financial burden to pay you for two or three Russian courses that have ceased to attract students. Political trends in America, as we all know, discourage interest in things Russian. On the other hand, you'll be glad to know that the English Department is inviting one of your most brilliant compatriots, a really fascinating lecturer—I have heard him once; I think he's an old friend of yours." Pnin cleared his throat and asked: "It signifies that they are firing me?" (6.12.18)
Come on, you didn't really think everything was going to go well for Pnin, did you? If there was nothing else Pnin had, at least he was a professor at Waindell College. He could say, in a way, that he belonged there. But after this scene where Dr. Hagen lets him know that he's fired, even that's not the case. Now Pnin has nowhere at all to call home.