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

2. Where does Kostka live?

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

4. As a student, where did Ludvik hold an important post?

5. What organ does Helena have trouble with, under the slightest bit of exertion?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Kostka's bachelor pad like?

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

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

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

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

7. How is Ludvik received by the dark Slovak NCO who got a first at marksmanship?

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

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

10. What is Helena's credo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Ludvik define himself?

Essay Topic 2

In what ways and how does Kostka succeed with Lucie that Ludvik never did? Compare and contrast their relationships.

Essay Topic 3

What major event ends the novel "The Joke", and what does it symbolize?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 672 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample