View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Ludvik finally goes before the plenary session of the Department of Natural Sciences, how many people speak for him?

2. In the beginning of the novel, the narrator claims his mission could have been completed in what city?

3. Why was Ludvik summoned the day after he returned to his post at University in his third year?

4. How is the local hospital in Moravia set up?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

7. How does Helena feel about younger women?

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

9. What is Kostka's bachelor pad like?

10. How does Ludvik take the first part of his shave?

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

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

Essay Topic 3

What does Miss. Broz come to symbolize to Ludvik? Zemanek?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 663 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample