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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At the beginning of the novel, how long has the narrator been away from his home?
(a) Ten years.
(b) Fifteen years.
(c) Five years.
(d) Twenty years.

2. How does Kostka receive Ludvik after not seeing each other in so long?
(a) Kostka was cold to Ludvik.
(b) Kostka did not want to see Ludvik.
(c) Kostka is glad to see Ludvik.
(d) Kostka was pleasant to Ludvik, but excused himself quickly.

3. Though Ludvik claims to not be a big lover of poetry, he carried three books of poetry with him. Who was the poet that authored these books?
(a) Pavel Zajicek.
(b) MIlan Rufus.
(c) Andre Brenton.
(d) Frantisek Halas.

4. What was the last thing Ludvik said after leaving his meeting with the board?
(a) "Honor to justice."
(b) "Honor to labor."
(c) "People for labor."
(d) "Justice to people."

5. What did Zemanek say to Helena in the heat of an argument when their daughter was five?
(a) They married out of Party discipline.
(b) He was sorry they were fighting and he loves her.
(c) Everyone loves in different ways.
(d) That he believed Zdena wasn't his daughter.

6. What is the state of Ludvik's hotel room?
(a) Cosy; very well furnished.
(b) Welcoming; two chairs at the table.
(c) Comfortable; a firm bed.
(d) Sparse; not exactly attractive.

7. What was Helena doing at the age of eighteen?
(a) In the gallows.
(b) Raising her child.
(c) Espionage.
(d) Schoolwork.

8. Ludvik overhears his neighbors in the hotel as soon as he is settled in. What does he learn about the neighbors?
(a) They are a small family of three.
(b) They are a man and a woman.
(c) It is an old man traveling alone, talking to himself.
(d) They are a large family of five.

9. In the beginning of the novel, the narrator claims his mission could have been completed in what city?
(a) Brno.
(b) Prague.
(c) Tisovec.
(d) Bratislava.

10. What floor does Kostka live on?
(a) The third floor.
(b) The fifth floor.
(c) The fourth floor.
(d) The second floor.

11. What is the name of the man Ludvik asks for at the booth at the gate of the hospital?
(a) Dr. Zemanek.
(b) Dr. Lucie
(c) Dr. Kostka.
(d) Dr. Klara

12. After a separation in which Marketa fares far better than Ludvik, he sends her something to hurt her. What is it that he sends Marketa?
(a) A joke in letter.
(b) A photograph of Stalin.
(c) A joke on a postcard.
(d) A poem in a letter.

13. What does the river in Moravia look like?
(a) Crystal clear water.
(b) It has dried up completely.
(c) It is full of fish.
(d) Viscous clay.

14. When did Helena move to Prague?
(a) 1959.
(b) 1949.
(c) 1945.
(d) 1939.

15. Ludvik decides to leave his hotel shortly after arriving for the first time. What does he want to do?
(a) Obtain something to eat.
(b) Buy a new suit.
(c) Ask an acquaintance for a discreet favor.
(d) Send a letter at the post office.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the woman who shaves Ludvik?

2. What does Helena's co-workers say about her at work?

3. When does Helena believe her co-workers started disliking her?

4. When Ludvik finally goes before the plenary session of the Department of Natural Sciences, how many people speak for him?

5. Where is Marketa sent, at the end of her first year at university?

(see the answer keys)

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