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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. As the woman cleans Ludvik's face with a towel, what does Ludvik pretend?

2. Who is Ludvik's first friend, or the person that sticks out most to him, in his group of black-insignias?

3. How much money does Ludvik pull out of his pocket to pay the woman for his shave?

4. What did Zemanek give Helena, his most favorite possession, as a gesture of reconciliation?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Kostka's bachelor pad like?

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

6. 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?

7. Why did Ludvik send Marketa the postcard?

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 does Ludvik describe Kostka?

10. Describe the story of the dwarfs Ludvik told Marketa.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What does the Black Insignia signify to Ludvik? To the Party?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample