Essay Questions

Who is the protagonist in Spaceman of Bohemia, and what is his significance?

The central character in Spaceman of Bohemia is Jakub Prochazka, the narrator giving his story from the first-person perspective and point of view. Jakub tells his story of space exploration. Jakub is a significant character because the author uses him to build the theme of frustration. While Jakub is exploring space exploration, his wife gets married to another man. When Jakub manages to return to earth, he finds his wife has left him, and he gets frustrated for the rest of his life. Jakub has no option but to live incognito to hide his frustration from his friends and family.

What is the biggest paradox of the revolution?

The greatest irony of the revolution is that the freedom fighters are not recognized as significant by the people saved through the revolution. Consequently, the author notes that the terrorists and revolutionary fighters are treated with the same perception. Therefore, the author argues that the best way to survive in this world is to live in anonymity rather than putting the focus on fame because you are unlikely to be recognized and given the honor that you are yearning to attain. The author notes that it is sad for one to be considered a hero in one sphere of life but be considered a monster in another sphere of life.

What motivates Jakub to accept the request to undertake an eight-month space exploration assignment?

Jakub is an established astrophysicist, and he accepts the difficult assignment of space exploration because he wants to get answers to the many questions surrounding his profession. Jakub’s fellow astrophysicists have many questions about Chopra, and the only way their anxiety can be settled is by sending one of their own to conduct the space exploration.