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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Gamma's second wife wear?
(a) Heavy Russian boots.
(b) Nothing on her feet.
(c) Thick Polish shoes.
(d) Dainty calfskin shoes.

2. Why is Christianity the state's primary enemy?
(a) It creates class divisions.
(b) It fosters skepticism.
(c) It encourages radicalism.
(d) It fosters subservience.

3. Because the Communist Party was at first illegal in Poland, what did party members do?
(a) Had no choice but to rebel against the laws.
(b) Bided their time until communism had gained a stronger footing.
(c) Were forced to work only through underground means.
(d) Tried to sway public opinion with writers who were sympathetic to communism.

4. While talking to Beker, who is about to be burned at the crematorium because he is too weak to work, what is Beta's attitude?
(a) Malicious.
(b) Calm and detached.
(c) Fearful of his own life.
(d) Agitated and sad.

5. How does Milosz describe Delta's poetry?
(a) A kaleidoscope.
(b) An abomination.
(c) A song played too quickly.
(d) A chubby angel.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Russia, what organization did Gamma and several of his friends create?

2. How much time did Beta spend in the concentration camp Auschwitz?

3. What happened when Beta's artistic talent moved to the furthest boundaries of communist dictates?

4. Catholic Communists gradually lose everything except what aspect?

5. The last time Milosz saw Beta, how did the unassuming poet look?

Short Essay Questions

1. Beta saw life only in terms of society rather than in terms of individual man. How was this his downfall?

2. Eventually Delta's poems became something of a dream, unreal. How was this inevitable?

3. "Still, it was not easy to become a communist, for communism meant a complete revision of one's concepts of nationality " (pg. 147). How was this true?

4. How was Delta able to play the game that the center demanded of him--and be better at it?

5. Delta, in wandering the roads in France, met people from many different nations. How did this universal migration prepare the way even more for communist rule?

6. Milosz opens Chapter VI with a description of Vilna as it existed during his childhood. Is this simply to introduce Gamma or is there another reason?

7. In Chapter VIII, Milosz takes on the tone of a communist to describe the evils of the various classes. How is this more powerful than a mere description?

8. Beta's anger toward mankind became directed toward a fear of self-deception. How did this happen?

9. How were Beta and the people of his generation fallen into dark hopelessness?

10. Nearly six years of Nazi rule had radically changed people's ideas of private property. Did this help or harm the communist idea of common property?

(see the answer keys)

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