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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. For what event is Au Bonheur des Dames prepared at the beginning of Chapter 4?

2. What are symbols of Au Bonheur des Dame's new ways of doing retail business in Paris?

3. What type of business does Vincard have?

4. What is the name of Uncle Baudu's wife?

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 imagery introduced in Chapter 2 regarding the big department store?

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

3. What is the symbolism of the vans at Au Bonheur des Dames?

4. Why is Denise conflicted about falling in love with Mouret?

5. How does the author show the theme of class system in Chapter 13?

6. What are Denise's feelings as she begins work at Au Bonheur des Dames?

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

8. What does Madame Desforges host for Mouret's benefit?

9. How does Denise indirectly change the work lives of the store employees?

10. Who is Mouret intent on meeting at Madame Desforges' tea and why is this meeting important to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a lot of symbolism in this story regarding the expansion of Au Bonheur des Dames. What does the growth of the store symbolize for those who work there? For the neighborhood shop owners? For the retail industry in general? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Zola uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the play and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 3

Zola is quoted as saying, "I am little concerned with beauty or perfection. I don't care for the great centuries. All I care about is life, struggle, intensity. I am at ease in my generation," (My Hates, 1866.) How is this philosophy apparent in AU BONHEUR DES DAMES?

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