Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
- 1. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk is a thought-provoking and intricately woven narrative that blends elements of mystery, philosophy, and ecological contemplation. Set in a remote Polish village, the story follows Janina Duszejko, an eccentric and elderly woman who interprets the world through astrology and has a deep reverence for nature and animals. As a series of mysterious deaths of local men unfolds, Janina finds herself drawn into the investigation, all while grappling with her own existential musings about life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings. She passionately advocates for animal rights, believing that the dead have something to say about humanity's relationship with the natural world. Tokarczuk's writing is both poetic and incisive, often blurring the lines between reality and myth, while also challenging societal norms and prejudices. The novel invites readers to reflect on the themes of justice and morality, as Janina’s unconventional views and actions put her at odds with the local community. Through a rich tapestry of characters and philosophical dialogues, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead serves as a profound commentary on the human condition, the value of life in all forms, and the enduring question of what it means to coexist with nature.
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
A) Dariusz
B) Marta
C) Janina Duszejko
D) Big Foot
- 2. What is Janina's occupation?
A) Doctor
B) Teacher
C) Farmer
D) Retired engineer
- 3. What does Janina believe about animals?
A) They are unimportant.
B) They cannot think.
C) They are inferior.
D) They have souls.
- 4. What is a repeated motif in the novel?
A) Fashion
B) War
C) Technology
D) Astrology
- 5. Whom does Janina suspect is responsible for the deaths in the village?
A) The townspeople
B) The government
C) The police
D) The animals
- 6. What type of animal does Janina particularly love?
A) Birds
B) Cats
C) Horses
D) Dogs
- 7. Which philosophical concept does Janina explore?
A) Dualism
B) Materialism
C) Nihilism
D) Animism
- 8. What is the tone of the novel?
A) Indifferent and flat.
B) Solemn and serious.
C) Darkly humorous.
D) Light-hearted and cheerful.
- 9. What literary style is Tokarczuk known for?
A) Hard science fiction
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Magical realism
D) Minimalism
- 10. What kind of place does Janina live in?
A) A remote village
B) A bustling city
C) A coastal town
D) An urban suburb
- 11. How does Janina view the relationship between humans and animals?
A) As purely transactional.
B) As interconnected and equal.
C) As indifferent.
D) As hierarchical and exploitative.
- 12. What is Janina's primary conflict throughout the novel?
A) Her struggle for justice for animals.
B) Her battle with illness.
C) Her quest for love.
D) Her desire for wealth.
- 13. What does Janina often refer to in her writings?
A) Politics
B) History
C) Economics
D) Nature
- 14. Who is found dead at the beginning of the story?
A) Big Foot
B) Dariusz
C) Zbigniew
D) Viktor
- 15. What is the title's significance?
A) It suggests industrialization.
B) It implies destruction.
C) It has no real meaning.
D) It reflects compassion for nature.
- 16. What does Janina think about death?
A) It is always tragic.
B) It is the end of everything.
C) It should be feared.
D) It is a natural part of life.
- 17. What is the setting of the novel?
A) France
B) Germany
C) Russia
D) Poland
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