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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. What expression did Tomas have, when concentrating, that he saw in his son?

2. What did Franz come to realize was his real life?

3. What type of work did Tomas do on the farm?

4. How did Tereza feel in the country?

5. Sabina liked America...

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Why does Tomas resign from the clinic?

4. Describe Simon's relationship with his mother.

5. When talking to his son, Simon, what is Tomas's attitude about the article he had written?

6. 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?"

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

8. Describe Tomas's work at the clinic.

9. What does Franz realize at the end of his trip to Cambodia?

10. What is at stake if Tomas does not retract the article he wrote?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Would you stay home for the sake of loved ones or travel overseas to help a country in need? Why or why not? What is more important, home and family or helping big causes? How would Franz's life ended up had he remained at home or returned safely home? What do you think happened to his mistress?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Milan Kundera writes that Franz and Simon are the dreamers of this novel.

1. Compare and contrast the characters of Franz and Simon. How are they the same? How are they different?

2. What purpose does Franza and Simon serve in the novel? Use 3 events from the book where Franz and Simon's characters have an influence on the theme, and the characters, of the book.

3. Who is the bigger dreamer, Franz or Simon? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

(see the answer keys)

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