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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. Where does Kostka live?
(a) A two-room flat in another town 30 miles away.
(b) A bachelor flat in a new complex.
(c) He has a room in the hospital.
(d) In the same hotel Ludvik is staying in.

2. What is the name of the narrator of the first section of the novel?
(a) Helena.
(b) Jaroslav.
(c) Ludvik.
(d) Milan.

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

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

5. What happened to Zemanek and Helena after the demonstration in Old Town Square?
(a) They parted ways.
(b) They held hands and roamed through Prague.
(c) They decided to meet up after returning to University.
(d) They joined the riot.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Marketa and Ludvik reunite at University, how does Marketa act?

2. What did Zemanek start after Togliatti spoke in Old Town Square?

3. Helena claims she would do anything to save her marriage. Why?

4. How many empty chairs are at the barber where Ludvik goes to get a shave?

5. Once Ludvik lost the rights to his University studies he expected to be notified of what compulsory service?

Short Essay Questions

1. What finally prompted Helena and Zemanek to get married?

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

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

4. After Marketa and Ludvik speak candidly about the postcard, Ludvik suggests he could win Marketa despite everything. How, and what, does he do?

5. How does Ludvik describe Kostka?

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

7. What were the common criticisms given to students at University in the Party? Ludvik describes them as "seeds" that all the students carried with them, to be used against themselves at a moment's notice.

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

9. How does Helena describe Zemanek in part two?

10. Describe Moravia as Ludvik sees it upon his return at the beginning of "The Joke".

(see the answer keys)

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