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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. What is the name of the man Ludvik asks for at the booth at the gate of the hospital?

2. 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?

3. Kostka hopes that Ludvik will use his flat for what?

4. Ludvik, as the woman giving him a shave soaps his face, slips into what?

5. When did Ludvik meet Marketa?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

3. What is Helena's credo?

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

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

6. Describe Ludvik's hotel room in Moravia.

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

8. How does Helena feel about the Party?

9. What is Kostka's living situation?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe a genuine Moravian wedding. Pick some symbols to describe, compare and contrast.

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of "the mirror" to the characters of "The Joke"? Pick two characters to focus your essay.

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 704 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample