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

Short Answer Questions

1. In 1967, public sentiment shifts away from what?

2. After guards stop Kovály at the border, what does Kovály NOT do to help in Prague?

3. What is Bartos able to do in order to help Kovály?

4. What does Ivan promise his mother when he finally returns from the country?

5. Whose permission does Kovály require in order to obtain the document she needs to arrange her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of escape in "Under A Cruel Star." Describe Kovály's escape from the Nazis. How does she do this and is she successful? How does she later escape from occupied Czechoslovakia and where does she go? How does she feel about leaving her homeland?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss anti-Semitism in "Under A Cruel Star." In what way does Kovály face anti-Semitism and how does this sentiment affect her life? How does she handle this prejudice against her?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 270 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample