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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. Though Ludvik claims to not be a big lover of poetry, he carried three books of poetry with him. Who was the poet that authored these books?
(a) Frantisek Halas.
(b) Andre Brenton.
(c) Pavel Zajicek.
(d) MIlan Rufus.

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?
(a) Fifteen years.
(b) Nine years.
(c) Seven years.
(d) Fourteen years.

3. How does Zdena feel about Zemanek?
(a) She worships him.
(b) She is impartial to him.
(c) She loathes him.
(d) She likes him enough to get by.

4. What does Zemanek do at university?
(a) Lecture on math.
(b) Lecture on Marxism.
(c) Lecture on Stalin.
(d) Lecture on history.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. After the woman giving Ludvik finishes soaping his face and gets up to retrieve the razor, Ludvick wants to look at her and realizes what?

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

3. How does Ludvik describe himself at university, in his second year?

4. How does Ludvik find Kostka's flat?

5. At the end of her first year at university, Marketa is sent away by who?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ludvik's hotel room in Moravia.

2. Why did Ludvik send Marketa the postcard?

3. What was Helena's first meeting with Ludvik like, according to Helena?

4. What were the early days of Helena and Zemanek's relationship like?

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

6. How does Ludvik describe Kostka?

7. What is Helena's credo?

8. How does Helena feel about younger women?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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