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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the opinion of Jaromil's uncle, why did the revolution occur?
(a) So that the capitalist swine would be overthrown.
(b) So the Communists could finally become a powerful political party.
(c) So that the new era of humanity could begin.
(d) So the Communists could seize what little power they did not already have.

2. While kissing the old woman, why does Xavier turn on the light?
(a) He wants to block out all sight of the blond girl.
(b) He does not want to lose sight of the blond girl.
(c) He wants to take away the old woman's shame in her withered body.
(d) He wants to show off for the blond girl.

3. What night does Magda take her bath?
(a) Sunday.
(b) Wednesday.
(c) Saturday.
(d) Tuesday.

4. What puzzles Jaromil about the artist's poetry critiques?
(a) The artist uses words Jaromil doesn't understand.
(b) The artist's critiques are inconsistent.
(c) The artist's critique often use French poetic values.
(d) The artist prefers odd poetic forms.

5. According to the poet's father, where was the poet conceived?
(a) In the mother's apartment.
(b) In the apartment of his colleague.
(c) On a park bench.
(d) In the countryside near Prague.

6. What is the first time Jaromil's words save him from punishment?
(a) When he began reciting the encyclopedia.
(b) When his insult was a rhyme.
(c) When he used adult vocabulary at a young age.
(d) When he yelled in a trochee speech pattern.

7. How is the university girl different from any other girl Jaromil has known?
(a) She barely lets him touch her.
(b) She only lets him kiss her when no one else is around.
(c) She gives him complete liberty with her body.
(d) She does not want him to meet her family.

8. What is Maman's attitude about her affair?
(a) She is hoping to leave her husband for the artist.
(b) She loves the artist and sees the affair as something beautiful.
(c) She does not love the artist but is afraid that if she leaves him, he will refuse to teach Jaromil.
(d) She does not love the artist but sees the affair as something beautiful.

9. How does Maman mourn her husband's death?
(a) She did not mourn.
(b) Like a martyr.
(c) Pathetically.
(d) Nobly.

10. When do Jaromil's parents redecorate his room?
(a) The day after his grandpa's funeral.
(b) The night before his fifth birthday.
(c) The day before Christmas when he is six.
(d) The night before his sixth birthday.

11. Why does the brunette leave Prague?
(a) She does not want to face Jaromil.
(b) She is afraid of rioting in the city.
(c) She is getting married.
(d) She is involved in underground activities and must flee.

12. Why do Jaromil's drawings favor dogs?
(a) He sees dogs as the symbol of virtue and natural goodness.
(b) He loves dogs better than any other animal.
(c) He draws dogs best.
(d) He cannot draw any other animal.

13. How does Jaromil's father prepare for leaving home several days at a time on business trips?
(a) He spends time with Jaromil.
(b) Maman cooks for two days ahead so he can take food with him.
(c) He never gives his family warning.
(d) He makes Maman do his laundry.

14. According to Kundera, what is "the first precondition of freedom" (Part III, Chapter 18, pg 121)?
(a) Never having parents.
(b) Never having children.
(c) Being able to love without guilt.
(d) Losing parents in death.

15. Where does Jaromil show off opinions about education which he heard from his grandfather?
(a) At the doctor's office.
(b) At the dentist's office.
(c) At a friend's house.
(d) During school.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the four students singing about while on the train?

2. How does the artist show Maman that he is not interested in a relationship with her?

3. Part 4, Chapter 1 begins with an anecdote about which poet?

4. Why does Maman feel guilty about her husband's death?

5. Why does Jaromil wait to show his poetry to the university girl?

(see the answer keys)

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