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

Short Answer Questions

1. In the spring of 1968, what becomes politically common?

2. Who suggests to Kovály that her apartment might be bugged?

3. Who occupies Czechoslovakia after what is effectively a kidnapping of the new leadership?

4. After Margolius' verdict is announced, who arranges for Ivan to stay in the country a bit longer?

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

Discuss Communism in Czechoslovakia from the 1940s until the 1960s. What are the beliefs of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia? How do they gain power? What is "Victorious February"? What does Kovály think of Communism? What does her husband think of Communism? How does Communism affect their marriage and lives together?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Iron Curtain. What is the Iron Curtain? What does the Iron Curtain have to do with Czechoslovakia? Does it affect Kovály directly? If so, how?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the genre of "Under A Cruel Star." What elements can be found within its pages to suggest it is an example of this genre?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 217 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample