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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the name of the boarder in Maryna's home who later becomes her husband?
(a) Alex Bordonivich.
(b) Michal Gorbechov.
(c) Heinrich Zalezowski.
(d) Henryk Simonzas.

2. Who is called a "national symbol?"
(a) Maryna.
(b) Churchill.
(c) Stalin.
(d) Bogdan.

3. Who is Krystyna?
(a) The maid.
(b) The young actress studying with Maryna.
(c) Piotr's older sister.
(d) Bogdan's daughter from his first marriage.

4. Where are the people in the steerage section taken?
(a) To Ellis Island for processing.
(b) To New Jersey.
(c) To lower Manhattan for further instructions.
(d) To Castle Clinton for interrogation and examination.

5. What is the first word of Spanish Maryna learns?
(a) Olvido.
(b) Albondigas.
(c) Cucaracha.
(d) Cuaderno.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is hosting the celebration party for Maryna?

2. When is the story set?

3. What book does the young woman from Philadelphia show Ryszard?

4. What other book does Maryna plan to read on the ship?

5. Who is the man in the felt hat Maryna meets in Bremen?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to her monologue at the end of Chapter One, why is Maryna ready to leave acting and try something new?

2. In Chapter Zero, the narrator gives us a picture of Maryna by quoting her saying "we must always ask more of ourselves." What conclusions does the narrator draw from this statement and Maryna's behavior at the party?

3. The narrator explains that she is not particularly intelligent. What else does she say about herself?

4. Why does Maryna go to Henryk's office in Chapter One? What do we learn about her brother Stefan? What do we learn about Maryna?

5. The group establishes their first commune in Zakopane. What are some of the activities described in the chapter necessary to sustain their community? What do they do in the town for the local community?

6. In Chapter Four, Maryna explains that in some places, the oldest is best. However, in America she says "biggest is best." What does she mean by this? What does she see that supports her observation? Is she displeased by this?

7. Maryna explains to Henryk why they are traveling to California by ship. What are the reasons? What is the faster way to get to California from New York? How does the trip go?

8. While Maryna and her husband are busy selling their house and preparing to leave for America, a member of Maryna's family dies. Who is this person, and why is the death so upsetting for Maryna? Who else is present at the death? Where does Maryna go after the death?

9. Who comes into Maryna's dressing room before the performance at the theatre in Krakow? What happens? How does Maryna react to the visitor's behavior?

10. Maryna relates the story of her childhood to various people in Chapter One. Discuss her childhood and the influences on her life.

(see the answer keys)

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