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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. In the beginning of the novel, the narrator claims his mission could have been completed in what city?
(a) Tisovec.
(b) Bratislava.
(c) Prague.
(d) Brno.

2. What does Ludvik think of this woman's voice who shaved him?
(a) It is very formal and cold.
(b) It is the voice of a stranger.
(c) It is the voice he recognizes most.
(d) It is very soothing.

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

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) Check his appearance in the mirror.
(c) Avoid the mirror and look at the ceiling.
(d) Talk to the girl shaving him right away.

5. 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 poem in a letter.
(c) A joke on a postcard.
(d) A photograph of Stalin.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Ludvik summoned the day after he returned to his post at University in his third year?

2. How long did the wedding festivities last between Zemanek and Helena?

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

4. What does Helena like about Ludvik?

5. What does the river in Moravia look like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Kostka's bachelor pad like?

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

3. How does Ludvik find out the identity of the woman who shaved him?

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

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

6. How does Helena feel about younger women?

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. What is Kostka's living situation?

9. Why don't Helena's coworkers like her?

10. How does Helena feel about the Party?

(see the answer keys)

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