1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

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

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. "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?

7. How does the author insert his own thoughts into Part 6, Chapter 1? What effect does this have on this entire part?

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

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

10. Why does Jaromil want to undress the redhead? How does this show his inadequate understanding of relationships?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What element causes Jaromil's death? How is this suited to his life? What does it mean that at the end he looked into his own face, and what horror is added in that moment?