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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. How does Maman destroy the intimacy between Jaromil and herself?
(a) By insulting the redhead's manners.
(b) By looking down on the redhead because of her job.
(c) By telling Jaromil he could find a better girl.
(d) By suggesting that the redhead sleeps around.

2. During the argument between Jaromil and the party guest, why do the other guests burst out laughing?
(a) Jaromil has tripped over a coffee table and fallen.
(b) Jaromil has tripped over a coffee table and fallen.
(c) Jaromil has punched the party guest in the face.
(d) The party guest has picked up Jaromil by his shirt and pants waist.

3. In the poem "Epitaph," how does Jaromil wish to die?
(a) By heartbreak to prove his love.
(b) By drowning.
(c) In the service of Marxism.
(d) By fire.

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

5. What kind of verbs does Jaromil love?
(a) Simple verbs that describe one motion.
(b) Verbs that describe the power of the future.
(c) Verbs that are related to love.
(d) Complicated verbs related to the emotions.

Short Answer Questions

1. While watching the beautiful cinematographer on the bus, what does Jaromil realize?

2. According to the janitor's son, why do policemen like to read poetry?

3. Once Jaromil arrives at the party hosted by the cinematographer, how does he feel about his clothes?

4. How does the film begin?

5. When does Jaromil's anger toward the girl at last subside?

Short Essay Questions

1. Kundera says that the young person can be so loyally devoted to an idea because he believes in absolutes (Part 5, Chapter 6, pg 220). How does this fit with Jaromil's personality?

2. What does the middle-aged man tell the girl about Jaromil? How is this story the opposite of what Jaromil ever wanted?

3. As it is painfully revealed in Part 5, Chapters 4 - 6, why do Maman and Jaromil struggle to live together? What does this say about their relationship as mother and son?

4. According to Jaromil, why did he run from the window where he first saw the redheaded girl? How does this move the story forward and reveal Jaromil's personality at the same time?

5. The group of poets, Jaromil among them, is invited to speak at the police academy in the countryside. What is the irony of this situation and what does it say about the ideals they espouse?

6. During the party at the cinematography girl's apartment, how does Jaromil's clothing reflect his state of mind?

7. Jaromil's first revelation about duty is that it is "voluntary and represents human daring and dignity" (Part 5, Chapter 11, pg 263). Given his situation, is this true?

8. "Only a real poet knows how lonely it is inside the mirrored house of poetry" (Part 7, Chapter 1, pg 289). Where else does the reader see mirrors in the story, and how does this sentence relate to Jaromil's life?

9. After a period of estrangement from Maman, why is Jaromil ready to make peace with her? How do the two of them have very different perceptions of this reconciliation?

10. When the girl visits the middle-aged man, she is wearing winter clothes. What does this detail reveal about the timing in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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