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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is a plongeur's work in vain?

2. In what did Roucolle invest?

3. Where does the narrator try to catch a fish?

4. Of what is the chef on the verge?

5. What do the narrator think the rich imagine to be at stake if the poor are not kept in poverty?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the narrator's routine as a plongeur.

2. Describe the story Valenti tells in chapter 15.

3. In what way does the narrator's life get better in chapter 17?

4. Describe the working conditions at the Auberge.

5. How does the narrator express how tired he is in chapter 16?

6. How is poverty affecting the narrator's life?

7. Why do Boris and the narrator quit their jobs in chapter 19?

8. Describe the Russian society in chapter 8.

9. Why does the narrator believe that people are kept in poverty?

10. What does the narrator say are his best and worst days working at the hotel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Down and Out in Paris and London is a semi-autobiographical novel, adhering to the rule, writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Orwell knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Orwell does not portray a character or setting so well? What affect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

Orwell was a socialist. Using two examples from the novel discuss the ways the story reflects Orwell's political ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Orwell use character and setting to express these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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