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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. What personal aspect was considered a political crime during Jaromil's time?
(a) Depravity.
(b) Extravagance.
(c) Poverty.
(d) Elegance.

2. The last time the man and girl had seen each other, what had they talked about?
(a) The girl was unhappy in their relationship.
(b) The man wanted a greater commitment but the girl was unwilling.
(c) The girl wanted to move in with the man.
(d) The girl was leaving him to be with the young man she loved.

3. What is the last thing Jaromil ever sees?
(a) His hand lying on the quilt.
(b) Love in his mother's face.
(c) His father's portrait.
(d) Great fear in his mother's face.

4. What location is Maman most excited to film in?
(a) The countryside surrounding Prague.
(b) The artist's studio.
(c) Her garden.
(d) Jaromil's bedroom.

5. Just outside the prison, why does the girl hate to see the horses and riders?
(a) She has always been afraid of horses.
(b) She takes it as a bad omen.
(c) She thinks they are out to capture people, possibly her.
(d) She feels far below them and pitiful by comparison.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Kundera, who ruled the epoch about which he is writing?

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

3. When the redhead is fifteen minutes late, what is the first excuse she gives Jaromil?

4. Why had Jaromil not known about the film about his life?

5. While Jaromil is talking with the redhead about love, how does death enter the conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Jaromil recites his poems to the audience of police members? How does this compare to the hopes he has had?

2. What is Maman's opinion about the redheaded girl? How does her reaction perpetuate the cycle of her own relationship with Jaromil?

3. 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?

4. What arguments do Jaromil and the redhead have concerning their families? How does this illustrate Jaromil's juvenile mindset?

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

6. Maman is disillusioned about the cinematography girl after the girl does not invite her to the party. How does this show the similarity between Maman and the girl?

7. How does Jaromil feel while he is visiting the janitor's son at the police station? What does this say about his personal growth?

8. "History does not always make a dramatic entrance, it often seeps through every-day life like dirty dishwater. In our story, History makes its appearance in the guise of underwear" (Part 5, Chapter 8, pg 239). What does this mean in the context of Jaromil's story?

9. In planning the documentary about Jaromil's life, what do Maman and Jaromil reveal about themselves? What do they reveal about their relationship?

10. Near the end of the book, Xavier betrays Jaromil by leaving him behind. What is the significance of this scene?

(see the answer keys)

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