View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Zemanek give Helena, his most favorite possession, as a gesture of reconciliation?
(a) A locket with Zemanek's picture on it.
(b) A locket with a picture of the Kremlin on it.
(c) A locket with Helena's picture on it.
(d) A locket with Stalin's picture on it.

2. What happened in 1956 and how did it affect Helena and Zemanek?
(a) Stalin's crimes came out, but Helena remained loyal.
(b) Stalin became a hero but Pavel didn't like him.
(c) Stalin became a hero but Helena didn't like him.
(d) Stalin's crimes came out, but Pavel remained loyal.

3. What organ does Helena have trouble with, under the slightest bit of exertion?
(a) Her heart.
(b) Her brain.
(c) Her stomach.
(d) Her lungs.

4. Why was Ludvik summoned the day after he returned to his post at University in his third year?
(a) An inquiry about the quality of his work.
(b) A promotion because of his loyalty.
(c) An inquiry about the postcard he sent Marketa.
(d) A promotion because of his innovations.

5. How is the local hospital in Moravia set up?
(a) One large building of concrete.
(b) A complex of buildings spread out.
(c) A small, sad shack.
(d) Two identical towers facing each other.

6. The day following their one-day reunion, Ludvik phones Marketa. What happens?
(a) Marketa makes a date with him that night.
(b) A stranger tells Ludvik that Marketa moved to Prague.
(c) A stranger tells Ludvik that Marketa moved to Bratislava.
(d) Marketa makes a date with him that weekend.

7. How did Helena meet Zemanek?
(a) On St. John's Bridge.
(b) At the Fucik Song and Dance Ensemble.
(c) In Old Town Square.
(d) In class at University.

8. After a disappointing leave in pursuit of the infamous 'Candlestick,' Ludvik decides the same weekend as Stana's wedding to go off on his own. Who does Ludvik meet this weekend?
(a) Pavel.
(b) Candlestick, again.
(c) Lucie.
(d) Marketa.

9. Helena claims she would do anything to save her marriage. Why?
(a) For Zemanek.
(b) For the Party.
(c) For her own sake, for the sake of the past.
(d) For her daughter, for honor.

10. Where is the man Ludvik asks for at the booth at the gate of the hospital?
(a) He did not come to work that day.
(b) He just left and is on his way out.
(c) He is out on lunch.
(d) He is in his office.

11. Ludvik and Kostka sit in Kostka's flat before he has to go back to the hospital and chat over what?
(a) Juice.
(b) Vodka.
(c) Tea.
(d) Coffee.

12. After a separation in which Marketa fares far better than Ludvik, he sends her something to hurt her. What is it that he sends Marketa?
(a) A joke in letter.
(b) A joke on a postcard.
(c) A poem in a letter.
(d) A photograph of Stalin.

13. What is the name of the woman who shaves Ludvik?
(a) Katka.
(b) Jana.
(c) Lucie.
(d) Helena.

14. As the woman cleans Ludvik's face with a towel, what does Ludvik pretend?
(a) She is slapping him.
(b) She is caressing him.
(c) He is being cleaned by someone else.
(d) He is back in Prague with his regular barber.

15. Where did Zemanek go at the beginning of part two?
(a) Moravia.
(b) Bratislava.
(c) Prague.
(d) Brno.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the narrator view the town square of his hometown after his long absence?

2. Ludvik and Kostka, just before Kostka returns to the hospital, come to an ideological impasse. How long ago were they in the same position?

3. According to Ludvik, what kind of woman is Marketa?

4. Where does the narrator go after he leaves the town square?

5. What does the narrator do at the beginning of part three?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 639 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample