View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. After the change of power in 1956, what does The Party admit in regards to the confessions of political prisoners?

2. What happens politically in the spring of 1968?

3. What is Pavel Kovály said to have had no interest in?

4. At what point does the staff at the hospital Kovály is admitted to stop giving her good treatment?

5. What ailment does Kovály develop as a result of her poor living and work conditions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the historical relevance of this story? Why is Kovály's story important to read about? What elements of this story are relevant and why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of ostracism in "Under a Cruel Star." How is Kovály ostracized throughout the narrative? Why is she ostracized? How does this ostracism affect her life?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. When does it occur and how does it affect Kovály? Why does the Soviet Bloc feel compelled to occupy Czechoslovakia?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 272 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample