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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. According to Helena, what does Zemanek live on?

2. Where did Zemanek go at the beginning of part two?

3. Who at Helena's work station likes her?

4. How did Helena meet Zemanek?

5. How does Zdena feel about Zemanek?

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. 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?

3. What is a typical day in the life of Ludvik at Ostrava?

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

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

6. How did Marketa react to the postcard Ludvik sent?

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

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

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

10. After Marketa and Ludvik speak candidly about the postcard, Ludvik suggests he could win Marketa despite everything. How, and what, does he do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the symbolism inherent in the gifts Ludvik and Lucie give to each other during their time together in Ostrava.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Jaroslav and his family.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the altercation between Jaroslav and Vlasta at the end of "The Joke". How does their fight reflect their whole relationship?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 727 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample