Under a Cruel Star: A Life In Prague, 1941-1968

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1973

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-19

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How does Heda nature serve as a refuge for Heda? How does Kovály use nature imagery to convey emotions and ideas in the text? Does such imagery take on different meanings in different circumstances?

How does Heda find contradictions and ironies in the actions of the Czech Communist Party? What aspects of her character lead her to notice these contradictions when others—including her more idealistic husband—do not?

Heda often experiences intense isolation from her community. Locate three of these moments and discuss her circumstances. How does isolation negatively impact Heda? Does isolation ever aid her?