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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. When Jaromil has difficulty undressing the redhead, what is the girl wearing?
(a) A dress with small black buttons down the back.
(b) A dress with large white buttons down the front.
(c) A grey dress with a wide collar.
(d) A thin negligee.

2. What happens to Jaromil's uncle?
(a) He leaves his wife to hide in a remote village.
(b) He contracts pneumonia and dies.
(c) He is charged with being an enemy of the state and imprisoned.
(d) He is charged with fraud and imprisoned.

3. Why is the famous poet booed by the audience after he reads a poem?
(a) His words no longer relate to the world.
(b) The young audience simply identifies him with their parents.
(c) His ideas are not Marxist enough.
(d) He is too old to be part of the future.

4. Why does Xavier stay in the woman's room when her husband comes home?
(a) He wants to confront her husband.
(b) He wants to protect her from danger.
(c) He wants to put the woman in danger as a form of revenge.
(d) He does not have time to leave.

5. How does Maman shame Jaromil in front of her guests?
(a) Combs his hair.
(b) Berates him for an untidy bedroom.
(c) Brushes the lint off his trousers.
(d) Asks if he's dating a common girl.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Maman take her husband's picture off the wall?

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

3. How does Maman mourn her husband's death?

4. According to Kundera, what is "tenderness"?

5. What does Jaromil see as the sign that his verses have true power?

(see the answer key)

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