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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. What is Denise's constant worry?

2. Who does Mouret hope to meet at the tea?

3. Which of the following does Bourras NOT bring Denise when Pepe gets sick?

4. What do Mouret and Bourdoncle do first thing every morning?

5. Where do Denise and her brothers go to find a new life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are some of the women at Madame Desforges' tea and what is revealed about their shopping habits?

2. Summarize the story of AU BONHEUR DES DAMES.

3. What is the irony of Baudu's position on balancing money and family life?

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

5. How does Denise first come in contact with Au Bonheur des Dames?

6. What are Mouret's expansion plans?

7. What other reasons does Madame Baudu speculate could be the source of Genevieve's illness aside from the postponement of her marriage to Colomban?

8. What are some of Mouret's business practices that have made him successful?

9. What is Denise's demeanor during this difficult time at the store?

10. How does Mouret exploit women to achieve his goals?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast Mouret and Baudu. What are their roles within the retail industry in Paris? What are their core values? What are they willing (or not) to do in order to succeed?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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