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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one reason Ivan is sent to stay in the country occasionally?

2. Who is favored by Communist propaganda?

3. After recovering from her illness and mourning, what document does Kovály realize she needs in order to arrange her life?

4. How is Margolius personally impacted by Slánský's arrest?

5. What anniversary celebration does Kovály and Margolius attend in 1950?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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