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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 Part 6, Chapter 11, who does Sabina claim is her enemy?

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

3. What did the chief surgeon request of Tomas?

4. In Part 4, Chapter 8, what did Tereza know had become of her and Tomas?

5. In Part 5, Chapter 12, the author states that love begins with a...

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 4, Chapter 13, Tereza has a dream where she admits to the executioner that it wasn't her choice to come to the hill to die. Has she subconsciously renounced responsibility for her actions in order to proceed with what she wants to do?

2. 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?"

3. In Part 5, Chapter 12, what incident with one of his lovers, who he always took to his friend's house, causes Tomas to be appalled?

4. Prior to suggesting they move there, what experience has Tereza had with country life?

5. How do people react as Tomas tries to decide whether or not to retract his article?

6. Describe Tomas's experience as a window washer.

7. Once she's in his home, how does Tereza behave that announces she does not condone what is happening (the lovemaking) between her and the engineer?

8. What causes Tereza to suspect the engineer was sent by the secret police?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On a number of occasions, Tomas questions his relationship with Tereza.

1. How many times does Tomas question his relationship with Tereza? Use specific examples that include the when, where and why?

2. Had Tomas not followed Tereza back to Prague, what type of lifestyle would he have pursued?

3. Tomas dreams of a woman he has not yet met. She is the one for Tomas. What kind of woman would have been more compatible with Tomas? What prevents Tomas from letting go of Tereza to find a happier relationship?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

If you were asked to retract a letter for the sake of saving your career, what would you do? Would you save your career or your pride? Write how Tomas's and Tereza's life would have had a different outcome if Tomas had retracted the letter.

(see the answer keys)

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