A Long Long Time Ago And Essentially True

In the book’s early pages, Czesław uses his “golden hands” in carpentry. Using textual evidence, examine what other ways he fixes things for himself and others as the story progresses.

Consider Poland’s political atmosphere during and shortly after World War II. Using textual evidence and other sources, explore how foreign ideologies might have impeded the nation’s ability to move beyond its past.

Compare and contrast Magda and Beata’s approaches toward life. How does Beata’s perspective change by the end of the story? What might have motivated her to alter her view?

How do the various construction projects in the novel help advance the plot? Explore what they symbolize, using textual evidence.

Irena was once an artist. Why did she abandon that pursuit? How does she rationalize the loss of her creativity? Is her approach right or wrong? Why? How does her perspective change by the end of the story?

The video camera has both a personal meaning to Beata and a larger communal meaning. Using textual evidence, discuss each aspect of what the device represents.

Anielica keeps more secrets than any other character in the novel. What is her rationale for doing so? How does this decision affect the quality of her life?

Beata’s struggle to claim an identity parallels the struggle of Poland itself. What impedes building a dream in each case? What does the novel suggest as the solution to this problem?