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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. In "Our Little Stasi", what made it difficult for Slavenka to pay her bills?

2. What year did Slavenka and Ulrike meet?

3. As a child, what form of transportation did Slavenka take on a visit to Italy?

4. Slavenka was shocked to see what favorite food available in thirty varieties?

5. What did Croatia eventually install to help citizens pay bills?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Slavenka worried about some of the things she taught her daughter?

2. Under the Communist rule, why did the young people of Eastern Europe have little hope for a better life?

3. Why did Tanja kill herself?

4. Why did the Communists prevent women from wearing make-up?

5. Why did the state keep an eye on Slavenka?

6. Why was Slavenka concerned that Americans could not imagine what it would be like to live in a Communist society?

7. Why did the girls of Eastern Europe attempt to play with dolls?

8. Why was Slavenka assigned a Censor?

9. Why was it considered luxurious not to eat, following the fall of Communism?

10. Why were the people of the former communistic society surprised when they were allowed to own things?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The lack of hope is theme that runs throughout the book. Write an essay examining the lack of hope in one of the following people:

1) Tanja.

2) Slavenka.

3) Andrea.

Essay Topic 2

Although Slavenka was cared for by the state under Communist rule, she still lacked many things throughout her life. Write an essay examining Slavenka's relationship to poverty as demonstrated throughout the text.

Essay Topic 3

When Slavenka bought a fur coat, she felt guilty but decided to wear it on principle.

1) Why did she feel guilty?

2) What did the coat symbolize?

3) Why principles inspired her to wear it anyway?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 571 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample