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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 5: The Poet is Jealous, Chaps. 1-3, pp. 185-204.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Jaromil see as the sign that his verses have true power?
(a) The artist's enthusiastic reaction.
(b) The poems' ability to stand on their own as independent works.
(c) His own thrill at the sounds of the words.
(d) The emotion on his mother's face when she reads them.

2. Why does the artist paint two X's on Maman's face?
(a) To illustrate his secret hatred of women.
(b) To show his cancellation of humanity.
(c) So that he can recreate her.
(d) So that her original existence means nothing.

3. Why does the blond girl wear a beautiful white dress to the dance hall?
(a) She wants Xavier to notice her.
(b) She wants to personify the snow.
(c) She wants to attract attention from the boys around her.
(d) It is her wedding dress.

4. What is the highest point of happiness which Jaromil reaches so far in his life?
(a) A girl resting her head on his shoulder.
(b) His father's memorial service as a war hero.
(c) Sleeping with the girl he met at dancing class.
(d) The reconciliation with his mother after their fight.

5. How does Xavier know that there will be no executions the day he hears shots fired?
(a) The list of victims is in his notebook.
(b) Only one family is being targeted.
(c) He has not yet given the command for anyone to be executed.
(d) He has the list of victims memorized.

Short Answer Questions

1. What justification does Maman give herself for her initial infidelity?

2. Why does Maman blame Jaromil for all her troubles?

3. How does Maman shame Jaromil in front of her guests?

4. Why does the brunette leave Prague?

5. What is Jaromil's criterion for a true poem?

(see the answer key)

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