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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 does Eva believe she is for how she handled the bullish authorities in Europe?

2. Sisovsky explains Eva cannot return to Prague because she cannot do what there?

3. Where does Zuckerman live in New York?

4. Who accused Eva and her family of being Jews in Europe?

5. What does Olga tell Bolotka she will steal tonight at Klenek's party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What took place that led to Sisovsky's father being shot? Who murdered him?

2. What is symbolically alluded to in the conversation between Sisovsky and Zuckerman regarding doubt?

3. What literary allusion does Philip Roth use in Sisovsky's descriptions of his father? Why?

4. Discuss the theme of voyeurism and spying in the narrative. How is this shown at Klenek's?

5. Why does Sisovsky tell Zuckerman Eva cannot return to Prague? How did they leave?

6. What does Zuckerman pass on his way to Klenek's? What does he observe upon arriving at the party?

7. What does Bolotka relate to Zuckerman in explaining the orgy parties? Who does he claim attends them?

8. What does Bolotka tell Zuckerman about Olga when they first meet? Who approaches Olga to reveal herself at the party?

9. What does Olga demand before exposing herself at the orgy party? Where is Olga's lover, according to Bolotka?

10. What causes Eva to storm out from the dinner with Zuckerman and Sisovsky in the beginning of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How did Zuckerman enter Prague? How difficult was it in 1976 for Americans to enter the Eastern Bloc? Where does Klenek live and what is established about his residence in the text?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the character of Olga Sisovsky in the narrative. How old is Olga? What is her personality like? How does Olga respond to Zuckerman? To the advances of Mr. Vodicka?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Zdenek Sisovsky and the banning of his novel in Prague. What control did Communist authorities have over the censoring of books and literature?

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This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample