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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After a disappointing leave in pursuit of the infamous 'Candlestick,' Ludvik decides the same weekend as Stana's wedding to go off on his own. Who does Ludvik meet this weekend?

2. What was Helena doing at the age of eighteen?

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

4. How does Zdena feel about Zemanek?

5. At the beginning of the novel, how long has the narrator been away from his home?

Short Essay Questions

1. After their second meeting, Ludvik tells Helena that he is going to pick her up in front of the station the following day. What did they do on this outing?

2. How does Helena feel about younger women?

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

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

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

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

7. What is Helena's credo?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What makes Lucie afraid of physical intimacy and how is it overcome?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Ludvik seduce Helena and what goes wrong with his plan?

Essay Topic 3

What is the joke, following the title of this book? Are there more than one? Compare and contrast.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 705 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample