View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. While attempting to escape, which of Kovály's acquaintances is shot?

2. Which of the following does NOT describe Kovály when she arrives at the camp?

3. Which army is said to be advancing westward in late 1944?

4. In addition to Jews, what other group in Kovály's home city are forcibly evacuated from the city?

5. Why does Margolius accept a high-ranking government job?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Communism appealing to the Czech people after the war?

2. After Margolius' death, why does Kovály worry that she would be arrested?

3. How are Kovály and Margolius able to communicate after his arrest?

4. How does the Margolius' lives change after Rudolf accepts a high-ranking government job?

5. Where is Kovály's family when the Soviet occupation occurred?

6. After her husband is arrested, what do state policemen come to her apartment to do?

7. What does Kovály remember about a Nazi guard named Franz?

8. What does Kovály realize by attending Communist Party meetings?

9. Following her meeting with the Party committee in 1963, what does Kovály make efforts to have done?

10. What do the Nazis do as the Russian army advance westward?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of ostracism in "Under a Cruel Star." How is Kovály ostracized throughout the narrative? Why is she ostracized? How does this ostracism affect her life?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Iron Curtain. What is the Iron Curtain? What does the Iron Curtain have to do with Czechoslovakia? Does it affect Kovály directly? If so, how?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. When does it occur and how does it affect Kovály? Why does the Soviet Bloc feel compelled to occupy Czechoslovakia?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 775 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample