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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 Denise attracted to Hutin?

2. What is a prominent theme in Chapter 7?

3. Mouret wants to partner with Baron Hartmann to ___________________.

4. What is Madame Desforges hosting at the beginning of Chapter 3?

5. Which one of the ladies shows off her purchases despite the presence of her nearly destitute husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the burgeoning awareness between Mouret and Denise?

2. Why does Denise's rejection of Mouret's advances leave him confused?

3. What does the author show about the dark nature of the store's employees?

4. Why does Bourdoncle think that Denise could be the demise of the store?

5. How does Vincard symbolize the easier life the store owners could achieve if they can only give in and sell out to Mouret?

6. What are Denise's reactions to Pauline's suggestion on how to assuage her loneliness?

7. How does the author use images of death to show that it is a part of life?

8. What is the symbolism of Genevieve's death?

9. Summarize the story of AU BONHEUR DES DAMES.

10. How are the neighborhood stores faring in comparing to the big department store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Madame Desforges. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

AU BONHEUR DES DAMES takes place in Paris in the late 1800s. Explain what is going on in Paris at this time that makes Zola decide to write this story in this setting.

Essay Topic 3

AU BONHEUR DES DAMES is a classic struggle for survival story. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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