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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what condition did Tereza and Karenin find the black crow under?

2. In Part 5, Chapter 25, why was it impossible for Tereza and Tomas to spend the night at the little town outside of Prague?

3. How did Tomas feel after the petition was published?

4. What did Tereza long to end?

5. What Czech text was written on the poster hanging on the editor's wall?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the article about the dogs being summarily shot in Russia signify for Tereza?

2. Why does Tereza yearn to make love to other men?

3. Kundera claims that the way Tomas rushes into the decision to leave the clinic seems rather odd. He asks, could it perhaps conceal something else, something deeper that escapes Toma s's reasoning? What is the answer to his question?

4. What did Tereza worry would happen if Tomas found out about her affair with the engineer?

5. After making love to the engineer, what does Tereza desire to do?

6. What does the ambassador tell Tereza is the three functions of the secret police?

7. Why does Franz change his mind and decide to go to Cambodia?

8. In the end, Tereza knows she has reached her goals. What are her goals?

9. In Part 5, Chapter 17, what episode both amuses and horrifies Tomas, proving that he is as tired mentally as he is physically?

10. Kundera writes, whenever a single political movement corners power, we find ourselves in the realm of totalitarian kitsch. What does he mean by the word "totalitarian?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the three options to write about:

1. Throughout The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kundera brings up God on a number of occasions. Using examples from the book, discuss his views on this particular subject.

2. Except for Simon and Marie-Claude, all the characters are involved in some type of infidelity. Does the political environment influence people to this type of lifestyle?

3. Describe "kitsch," especially how the author relates it to politics. Use 2 examples, not concerned with the book, of modern day situations that would be considered "kitsch."

Essay Topic 2

If you were living in Prague during the invasion, would you have fled the country? Where would you have gone? Would you have stayed for the love of your country and fellowmen knowing you may lose your job?

Essay Topic 3

Sabina and Marie-Claude are two of the coolest characters in this novel.

1. Comapre and contrast the characters of Sabina and Marie-Claude. How are they the same? How are they different?

2. Has Franza chosen a mistress that has similar characteristics to that of his wife? Cite 5 examples of how Franz fails to read through the women he married and his lover.

3. Who has less compassion towards Franz, his wife or Sabina? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

(see the answer keys)

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