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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Ludvik find Kostka's flat?
(a) It is dingy.
(b) It is overly lavish.
(c) It is very attractive.
(d) It is sparse.

5. After Ludvik's meeting with the board he is prompted by a Communist friend to go see who?
(a) Jaroslav.
(b) Zemanek.
(c) Pavel.
(d) Milan.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Zdena feel about Zemanek?

2. What favor does Ludvik ask of Kostka?

3. Who at Helena's work station likes her?

4. What is the name of the narrator's hometown?

5. How does Ludvik feel about the differences between himself and Kostka?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens during Ludvik's shave that changes the experience for him, and how does Ludvik react to the rest of his shave?

2. What is the relationship between Kostka and Ludvik like?

3. What is Helena's credo?

4. How is Ludvik's attitude immediately following his move to Ostrava?

5. How is Ludvik received by the dark Slovak NCO who got a first at marksmanship?

6. How does Helena feel about the Party?

7. Describe the circumstances under which Helena fell in love with Zemanek.

8. Why does Ludvik feel frustrated when he leaves the barber for his shave?

9. How does Helena describe Zemanek in part two?

10. What is a typical day in the life of Ludvik at Ostrava?

(see the answer keys)

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