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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. Helena claims she would do anything to save her marriage. Why?

2. Who narrates part three of "The Joke"?

3. At the beginning of the novel, how long has the narrator been away from his home?

4. Where is the man Ludvik asks for at the booth at the gate of the hospital?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the early days of Helena and Zemanek's relationship like?

2. Why don't Helena's coworkers like her?

3. Why does Ludvik feel frustrated when he leaves the barber for his shave?

4. What were the common criticisms given to students at University in the Party? Ludvik describes them as "seeds" that all the students carried with them, to be used against themselves at a moment's notice.

5. What was Helena's first meeting with Ludvik like, according to Helena?

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

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

8. How does Helena feel about the Party?

9. After their second meeting, Ludvik tells Helena that he is going to pick her up in front of the station the following day. What did they do on this outing?

10. Describe the story of the dwarfs Ludvik told Marketa.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways and how does Kostka succeed with Lucie that Ludvik never did? Compare and contrast their relationships.

Essay Topic 2

What makes Lucie afraid of physical intimacy and how is it overcome?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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