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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. Who narrates part three of "The Joke"?

2. Ludvik asks Kostka for a recommendation for what service?

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?

4. What movie does Ludvik end up watching in his pursuit of the person he is following on his weekend alone?

5. How is the local hospital in Moravia set up?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Marketa react to the postcard Ludvik sent?

2. How does Helena describe Zemanek in part two?

3. What finally prompted Helena and Zemanek to get married?

4. Describe Moravia as Ludvik sees it upon his return at the beginning of "The Joke".

5. After Marketa and Ludvik speak candidly about the postcard, Ludvik suggests he could win Marketa despite everything. How, and what, does he do?

6. What is Helena's credo?

7. What is the relationship between Kostka and Ludvik like?

8. What happens during Ludvik's shave that changes the experience for him, and how does Ludvik react to the rest of his shave?

9. How does Ludvik take the first part of his shave?

10. What is Kostka's bachelor pad like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the joke, following the title of this book? Are there more than one? Compare and contrast.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the time Ludvik spent in Ostrava. How was he as a person before he went? What major events happened there? How did he change?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Ludvik see Lucie as the King of the Ride of the Kings?

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