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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Franz like music?

2. After Sabina settled in Paris, what were her thoughts about Franz?

3. Which one of the suitors did Tereza's mother choose when she was a young woman?

4. What did Franz feel with regards to his love for Sabina?

5. What affect did the first week of the Russian occupation have on Tereza?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Sabina's views on conflict?

2. What is Tereza's relationship with her body?

3. What did the dream about the naked women in the pool, who resembled each other and who were one by one executed by Tomas, represent?

4. In Part 4, Chapter 3, describe the meeting of the the crowd of umbrellas in the street which Tereza encounters.

5. In Part 3, Chapter 4, what is the immigrant's reaction to Sabina's behavior?

6. What were Tereza's dreams about?

7. For Franz, what is music?

8. Describe Tereza's mother:

9. What did Tereza feel when she stood naked in front of Sabina as Sabina photographed her?

10. In Part 3, Chapter 4, how does Sabina feel about her own unfairness towards the immigrants?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the three options to write about:

1. Throughout The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kundera brings up God on a number of occasions. Using examples from the book, discuss his views on this particular subject.

2. Except for Simon and Marie-Claude, all the characters are involved in some type of infidelity. Does the political environment influence people to this type of lifestyle?

3. Describe "kitsch," especially how the author relates it to politics. Use 2 examples, not concerned with the book, of modern day situations that would be considered "kitsch."

Essay Topic 2

Would you stay home for the sake of loved ones or travel overseas to help a country in need? Why or why not? What is more important, home and family or helping big causes? How would Franz's life ended up had he remained at home or returned safely home? What do you think happened to his mistress?

Essay Topic 3

If you were asked to retract a letter for the sake of saving your career, what would you do? Would you save your career or your pride? Write how Tomas's and Tereza's life would have had a different outcome if Tomas had retracted the letter.

(see the answer keys)

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