La Cousine Bette | Topics for Discussion & Projects

La Cousine Bette Topics for Discussion

What is the reason for Lisbeth Fischer's hatred of her cousin Adeline?

How does Madame Marneffe manage to single-handedly ruin the Hulot family?

What prompts Monsieur Crevel to agree to lend Adeline Hulot two hundred-thousand francs?

Who is ultimately responsible for the deaths of Célestin Crevel and Valérie Marneffe?

What reason does Josépha Mariah give for helping Adeline Hulot locate her husband?

What is the true nature of the relationship between Monsieur and Madame Marneffe?

Could the narrator's comments about Jews, the Irish, and blacks be considered racist? Why or why not? Use textual examples to support your argument.

Discuss the importance of dowry as it relates to the narrative.

Why is Baroness Hulot unsuccessful in her attempt to seduce Monsieur Crevel?

Give examples to support the claim that the women in Balzac's narrative are more powerful than the men.

Besides his small stature, what distinguishes the Duke...
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