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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Jaromil think is the quintessential surrealist object?
(a) The statue of Apollo.
(b) The telephone receiver with the dangling cord.
(c) The chair leg if seen by itself.
(d) His mother's light blue perfume bottle.

2. What does Maman do with the books that the artist loans her?
(a) Asks Jaromil to read them so she doesn't have to.
(b) Reads them secretly for fear that Jaromil will recognize them.
(c) Reads them openly as a sign of her new love.
(d) Does not read them.

3. How do Jaromil and Maman reach the lake resort?
(a) By train.
(b) By walking.
(c) By train and buggy.
(d) By car.

4. What are the four students singing about while on the train?
(a) A dead canary.
(b) The skiing holiday.
(c) A summer storm.
(d) Their train ride.

5. How does Maman have complete control of her son?
(a) By being very strict with him.
(b) By controlling his emotions.
(c) By deciding what he wears and eats.
(d) By acting as both his mother and father.

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

7. Where does Xavier usually go when he skips school?
(a) The yellow house.
(b) To his girlfriend's house.
(c) The Andrews Bridge.
(d) The Charles Bridge.

8. In the philosophy auditorium, what is the subject of the first poem recited?
(a) A group of university students convert the school to Marxism.
(b) A mother turns away her son because he is not committed to Marxist ideals.
(c) A girl breaks up with her boyfriend because he was lazy on the production line.
(d) A father struggles to provide for his family under Communist rule.

9. What is Jaromil's first long poem about?
(a) Death that comes early for a young man.
(b) The tragedy of love that is realized too late.
(c) Young lovers who are reunited.
(d) A man who suddenly realizes he is old.

10. What idea about poetry does the artist's chastisement cause in Jaromil's mind?
(a) That he is a worthless poet and will not succeed.
(b) That he is talented and has great potential for success.
(c) That he had been chosen to be the instrument of the poetic ideal.
(d) That he is an imposter in the world of poetry.

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

12. What is Jaromil's criterion for a true poem?
(a) It must have an established form.
(b) It must be read by someone other than the author.
(c) It must sound poetic when it is recited.
(d) It must be able to stand apart from other poems.

13. What can only a true poet know?
(a) The desire to be a part of the world.
(b) The desire to write a life-changing poem.
(c) The desire not to be a poet.
(d) The desire to live in a world without mirrors.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. With whom does the famous poet appear on the street?

2. To what does Jaromil poetically compare Magda?

3. Why is 1949 an interesting year for Czech youth?

4. Why does Jaromil write so many poems about women's bodies?

5. During the summer, why is Jaromil alone?

(see the answer keys)

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