The Anatomy Of A Moment by Javier Cercas
- 1. The Anatomy of a Moment by Javier Cercas is a compelling narrative that delves into the intricate events surrounding the failed coup d'état in Spain on February 23, 1981, a pivotal moment in the country's transition to democracy after a long period of dictatorship. Cercas employs a meticulous approach to reconstruct the tense atmosphere of that day, blending historical facts with vivid storytelling and character analysis. He examines the role of key figures involved, including politicians and military leaders, while probing the motivations and psychological underpinnings that influenced their decisions. Beyond just a historical recounting, Cercas invites readers to reflect on the fragility of democracy and the critical junctures that define political landscapes. With a masterful narrative style, he explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, ultimately crafting a nuanced portrait of a nation grappling with its past and future. The book stands not only as a historical account but also as an exploration of the human condition in the face of political turmoil.
The book is a detailed analysis of which specific historical event?
A) The failed 1981 coup d'état in Spain
B) The death of Francisco Franco
C) Spain's transition to democracy
D) The Spanish Civil War
- 2. Which three political figures does Cercas focus on for remaining seated during the coup?
A) Adolfo Suárez, Santiago Carrillo, and General Gutiérrez Mellado
B) King Juan Carlos, Felipe González, and Manuel Fraga
C) Adolfo Suárez, Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo, and Fernando Abril
D) Antonio Tejero, Alfonso Armada, and Jaime Milans del Bosch
- 3. Who was the Prime Minister of Spain at the time of the coup?
A) Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo
B) Manuel Fraga
C) Felipe González
D) Adolfo Suárez
- 4. The coup attempt is also popularly known by what name?
A) The Armada Plot
B) 20-N
C) 23-F
D) The Tejerazo
- 5. Santiago Carrillo was the leader of which political party?
A) Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE)
B) People's Alliance (AP)
C) Spanish Communist Party (PCE)
D) Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD)
- 6. What was the primary aim of the coup plotters?
A) To accelerate the transition to democracy
B) To grant independence to Catalonia
C) To reverse the democratic process and restore a Francoist-style regime
D) To install a communist government
- 7. Cercas argues that the three men seated in parliament represented what?
A) The most powerful economic interests in Spain
B) The old guard of the Franco regime
C) The pillars of the new, fragile Spanish democracy
D) The international community's support for Spain
- 8. The book suggests that the failed coup ultimately had what effect on Spain?
A) It consolidated the democratic transition.
B) It had no significant long-term effect.
C) It delayed the democratic transition for a decade.
D) It led to the rise of separatist movements.
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