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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 2: Xavier, pp. 65-89.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Xavier constantly arrive late, no matter where he's going?
(a) He prefers to tempt fate by not scheduling things very well.
(b) He feels that a scheduled life is boring and unsurprising.
(c) His watch is always slow.
(d) He has always had trouble being punctual.

2. What is Jaromil's criterion for a true poem?
(a) It must be read by someone other than the author.
(b) It must sound poetic when it is recited.
(c) It must have an established form.
(d) It must be able to stand apart from other poems.

3. Why does the artist paint two X's on Maman's face?
(a) To illustrate his secret hatred of women.
(b) To show his cancellation of humanity.
(c) So that her original existence means nothing.
(d) So that he can recreate her.

4. Why does Xavier stay in the woman's room when her husband comes home?
(a) He does not have time to leave.
(b) He wants to confront her husband.
(c) He wants to put the woman in danger as a form of revenge.
(d) He wants to protect her from danger.

5. What does Jaromil see as the sign that his verses have true power?
(a) The poems' ability to stand on their own as independent works.
(b) The emotion on his mother's face when she reads them.
(c) The artist's enthusiastic reaction.
(d) His own thrill at the sounds of the words.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Jaromil poetically compare Magda?

2. According to the poet's father, where was the poet conceived?

3. Why does Maman welcome her pregnancy?

4. What reason does the poet's father give for not having more children?

5. Who was Jaromil's first and greatest friend?

(see the answer key)

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