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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. Where is Denise when she sees Mouret again?

3. At which of the following stores does Madame Desforges NOT buy her clothes?

4. Why is Denise attracted to Hutin?

5. On whom does Denise develop a crush?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the imagery of comparing the store to a church or temple.

2. What surprises Mouret about Denise's love for him?

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

6. What does the color white symbolize in Chapter 14?

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

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

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

10. Explain the symbolism of the windows in Chapter 13.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in the early 1800s when this novel was written. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

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