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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where was Ludvik summoned the day after he returned to his post at University in his third year?
(a) The District Party Headquarters.
(b) The Station of the League of Students.
(c) Stalin's Command Center.
(d) The Party Pentagon.

2. Ludvik overhears his neighbors in the hotel as soon as he is settled in. What does he learn about the neighbors?
(a) It is an old man traveling alone, talking to himself.
(b) They are a small family of three.
(c) They are a man and a woman.
(d) They are a large family of five.

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

4. When Ludvik sits down to have a shave, what does he do?
(a) Start a conversation with the man in the chair next to him.
(b) Avoid the mirror and look at the ceiling.
(c) Check his appearance in the mirror.
(d) Talk to the girl shaving him right away.

5. As a student, where did Ludvik hold an important post?
(a) Justice of Collegiate Students.
(b) Sect of Young Marxists.
(c) League of University Students.
(d) Society of Students.

6. What is Helena doing the evening of the beginning of part two?
(a) Staying up late to read.
(b) Cleaning her house until the dawn.
(c) Going to bed early.
(d) Mending clothes all night.

7. How does the narrator view the town square of his hometown after his long absence?
(a) He finds it charming.
(b) He finds it unsightly.
(c) He finds it beautiful.
(d) He finds it changed from his memory.

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

9. At the beginning of the novel, how long has the narrator been away from his home?
(a) Ten years.
(b) Twenty years.
(c) Fifteen years.
(d) Five years.

10. Helena believes that there is no split between what?
(a) Politics and morals.
(b) Public and private selves.
(c) Husband and wife.
(d) Church and state.

11. What did Zemanek say to Helena in the heat of an argument when their daughter was five?
(a) Everyone loves in different ways.
(b) That he believed Zdena wasn't his daughter.
(c) They married out of Party discipline.
(d) He was sorry they were fighting and he loves her.

12. What does Helena's co-workers say about her at work?
(a) She isn't loyal enough.
(b) She doesn't do a good job.
(c) She is too laid back.
(d) She is a fanatic and a Party bloodhound.

13. Ludvik asks Kostka for a recommendation for what service?
(a) A store that sells liquor.
(b) A decent dinner.
(c) A shave.
(d) Entertainment for the evening.

14. What is the state of Ludvik's hotel room?
(a) Comfortable; a firm bed.
(b) Sparse; not exactly attractive.
(c) Welcoming; two chairs at the table.
(d) Cosy; very well furnished.

15. How much money does Ludvik pull out of his pocket to pay the woman for his shave?
(a) One crown.
(b) Four crowns.
(c) Five crowns.
(d) Ten crowns.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Ludvik finally goes before the plenary session of the Department of Natural Sciences, how many people speak for him?

2. What does Ludvik think of this woman's voice who shaved him?

3. What does Zemanek do at university?

4. Who is the narrator of the part two?

5. What is the name of the narrator of the first section of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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