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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Margolias' trial begins, how long has it been since his arrest?

2. What work does Pavel Kovály find for Kovály after she loses her work-at-home job?

3. What profession does Kovály assume after marrying Pavel?

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

5. Why does Kovály's savings disappear in the spring of 1953?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Kovály's first husband, Rudolf Margolius. How do they meet? What are Margolius' defining character traits? What is his job? What are his political beliefs? Why is he arrested? Why is Kovály's marriage to Margolius strained? Of What is Margolius accused? How does he die?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the motif of hope and hopelessness in "Under A Cruel Star." When does Kovály feel hopelessness? How does she cope with this feeling? What causes her to feel this way? How does she overcome this feeling? What brings her hope? How is she able to remain hopeful despite the awful situations she faces?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the motif of fear and terror in "Under A Cruel Star." Of what is Kovály and the citizens of Czechoslovakia fearful? How is their fear conveyed to others? How does Kovály experience the fear of others? How does this fear affect her? Who is terrorizing Czechoslovakia and why? How are they spreading terror?

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