The Unbearable Lightness Of Being: Part 1

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| By Keelerjacksonhs

Keelerjacksonhs

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 1,319

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 109 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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Questions and Answers

1.

Where do we, the reader, first encounter Tomas?
- A.
  
  In the cafe, meeting Tereza for the first time.
- B.
  
  In the window, contemplating his fate.
- C.
  
  When the Russian tanks occupied Prague.
- D.
  
  With his mistress, Sabina in her studio.
Correct Answer
B. In the window, contemplating his fate.

Explanation
In the novel, the reader first encounters Tomas in the window, contemplating his fate. This suggests that Tomas is introspective and possibly uncertain about his future. The window symbolizes a moment of reflection and contemplation, which sets the tone for Tomas's character and the themes of the novel.

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2.

What is the BEST symbol of Amor Fati, or acceptance of one's fate?
- A.
  
  Teresa's camera
- B.
  
  The bowler hat
- C.
  
  Karenin, the dog
- D.
  
  Teresa's suitcase
Correct Answer
D. Teresa's suitcase

Explanation
Amor Fati, or acceptance of one's fate, is symbolized by Teresa's suitcase. A suitcase represents the idea of being ready to embrace whatever comes in life, as it is a symbol of travel and movement. By accepting her fate and carrying her suitcase, Teresa is showing her willingness to embrace the unknown and face whatever challenges or experiences come her way. The suitcase represents her readiness to adapt and accept her destiny, whatever it may be.

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3.

Why is Teresa compared to Moses?
- A.
  
  Her ability to prophesize her fate in the war.
- B.
  
  Her child-like need to be nurtured by Tomas.
- C.
  
  Her old-fashioned and provencial morals.
- D.
  
  Her journey across the Thames river to reach Tomas.
Correct Answer
B. Her child-like need to be nurtured by Tomas.
4.

"Ess Muss Sein" refers to
- A.
  
  The fact that we must accept our fate in life
- B.
  
  The role of Beethoven in our lives as a motif
- C.
  
  The music that Tomas falls in love with in Austria
- D.
  
  The dichotomy of lightness and weight in life
Correct Answer
A. The fact that we must accept our fate in life

Explanation
"Ess Muss Sein" is a German phrase that translates to "It must be." This phrase is often associated with the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who wrote it in his musical scores. In this context, "Ess Muss Sein" refers to the idea that we must accept our fate in life. It implies a sense of resignation and understanding that certain things are beyond our control and must be accepted as they are. This concept aligns with Beethoven's own struggles and acceptance of his progressive hearing loss, which greatly impacted his life and career.

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5.

Which character BEST supports the theme of lightness?
- A.
  
  Tomas
- B.
  
  Tereza
- C.
  
  Sabina
- D.
  
  Beethoven
Correct Answer
C. Sabina

Explanation
Sabina is the character who best supports the theme of lightness. Throughout the novel, she embodies a carefree and non-committal attitude towards life. She rejects societal norms and embraces her own individuality, always seeking freedom and independence. Sabina's constant pursuit of lightness can be seen in her relationships, where she avoids emotional attachments and prefers casual affairs. Her rebellious nature and refusal to be weighed down by responsibilities or expectations make her a perfect representation of the theme of lightness in the story.

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6.

What is the BEST definition of compassion in regard to Tomas and Tereza's relationship?
- A.
  
  Sympathetic pity
- B.
  
  Unaltered love
- C.
  
  Emotional telepathy
- D.
  
  Sussurus longing
Correct Answer
C. Emotional telepathy

Explanation
In regard to Tomas and Tereza's relationship, emotional telepathy can be considered the BEST definition of compassion. This implies that they have a deep understanding and connection with each other's emotions, thoughts, and feelings, allowing them to empathize and support one another on a profound level. This goes beyond sympathetic pity or unaltered love, as it involves a strong emotional bond and the ability to intuitively comprehend and respond to each other's needs and desires. The term "sussurus longing" is unrelated to compassion and does not accurately describe their relationship.

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7.

What does Dubcek do when he returns to Czechloslovakia?
- A.
  
  He implores for the people to surrender to the Prussians.
- B.
  
  He asks to be imprisoned Siberia instead of being hanged.
- C.
  
  He orders more tanks and soldiers to defeat the Russians.
- D.
  
  He stammers through his speech like a defeated coward.
Correct Answer
D. He stammers through his speech like a defeated coward.
8.

What does Tereza's nightmare represent?
- A.
  
  Her inability to reconcile her body and soul's needs.
- B.
  
  Her insecurity about Tomas' reverence of her in their relationship.
- C.
  
  Her gross fear of dying in a Soviet concentration camp.
- D.
  
  Her depression in leaving Prague for Switzerland.
Correct Answer
A. Her inability to reconcile her body and soul's needs.

Explanation
Tereza's nightmare represents her inability to reconcile her body and soul's needs. This suggests that she is struggling with finding a balance between her physical desires and her emotional or spiritual needs. It implies that she feels a disconnect or conflict between these two aspects of herself, causing her distress or fear.

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9.

Why does Tereza clutch Tomas' hand in sleep?
- A.
  
  It represents her fear of death.
- B.
  
  It shows how she fears him leaving.
- C.
  
  It symbolizes their love and unity.
- D.
  
  It demonstrates her child-like naivity.
Correct Answer
C. It symbolizes their love and unity.

Explanation
Tereza clutching Tomas' hand in her sleep symbolizes their love and unity. It signifies the deep emotional connection between them and their desire to be close to each other. It shows that Tereza feels safe and comforted when she is with Tomas, and that their relationship is strong and supportive. This action represents the bond they share and the importance of their connection to each other.

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10.

Why does Tomas abandon his son?
- A.
  
  He did not want to pay for the child's schooling.
- B.
  
  He could not follow the mother to Prague.
- C.
  
  He tired of fighting the mother for him.
- D.
  
  He could not betray Tereza by choosing him.
Correct Answer
C. He tired of fighting the mother for him.

Explanation
Tomas abandons his son because he grew tired of constantly fighting with the mother for custody or involvement in the child's life. This suggests that Tomas reached a point where he no longer wanted to engage in the ongoing conflict and decided to remove himself from the situation altogether.

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Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Nov 29, 2014

Quiz Created by
Keelerjacksonhs

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being: Part 1

Where do we, the reader, first encounter Tomas?

What is the BEST symbol of Amor Fati, or acceptance of one's fate?

Why is Teresa compared to Moses?

"Ess Muss Sein" refers to

Which character BEST supports the theme of lightness?

What is the BEST definition of compassion in regard to Tomas and Tereza's relationship?

What does Dubcek do when he returns to Czechloslovakia?

What does Tereza's nightmare represent?

Why does Tereza clutch Tomas' hand in sleep?

Why does Tomas abandon his son?