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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mama get embarrassed?

2. What does Mama start to doubt?

3. Who addresses the Czech people?

4. Where is Marketa's ten-year-old son on Easter?

5. Who does Karel picture in his mind when he, Marketa and Eva are together later?

Short Essay Questions

1. What situation in Kundera's personal past does he discuss after writing about laughter?

2. What does Marketa contemplate doing with Eva near the end of the chapter?

3. What is upsetting about Mama's visit and why doesn't Marketa do anything about it?

4. How does Marketa's feelings towards her mother-in-law change over time?

5. What happens when Mirek arrives back home and how is this somewhat ironic?

6. Why does Kundera quit dancing and what does he imagine about the dancing? Of what do you think his imagining about the dancing is symbolic?

7. What is Zdena response to Mirek's request for his letters and do you think she is being fair to Mirek?

8. What are Michelle and Gabrielle doing and what is their response?

9. What happens that embarrasses Mama?

10. How does Marketa meet Eva and how does the relationship evolve to include Karel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Part 2, "Mama," the collective past of Karel and Marketa tires them, bringing them to their present and future actions. They wish to erase their past and forget their history to create a new future. Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. How is Karel and Marketa's situation of their past history a metaphor for the history of Czechoslovakia?

2. Do you think erasing the past is the best way to create a different future? Explain fully.

3. Is it even possible to erase the past completely either as an individual, couple or country? Explain fully.

Essay Topic 2

Much of this book, which could also be considered a collection of short stories related thematically, hinges upon knowledge of the political milieu of Czechoslovakia from 1948 through the early 1970's. Discuss one of the following (These topics will require research):

1. Briefly summarize the political, social and cultural climate of Czechoslovakia in 1948 when the book opens. How is what you have learned about Czechoslovakia of that era relevant to Kundera's book?

2. Briefly summarize the political, social and cultural climate of Czechoslovakia of 1968 when the invasion by Russia of Czechoslovakia takes place. How is what you have learned about Czechoslovakia of that era relevant to Kundera's book?

3. Discuss the ways the setting informs two major themes in the book. Use detailed examples.

Essay Topic 3

In part 5, "Litost," a student at the Writer's Club states that only a poet can understand the value of what he writes and others may never get it at all. Discuss the following:

1. What is the purpose of poetry if not to communicate to others?

2. Do you think the above statement only applies to poetry? Why or why not?

3. If no one can understand the value of something one writes, is it worth writing it? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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