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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 the atmosphere of the ladies' wear department while Denise waits for an interview?

2. Who is the man who is seen in the basement with Denise?

3. How does Mouret entice the ladies to shop at Au Bonheur des Dames?

4. Why does Madame Aurelie not let Denise sell to a customer?

5. What is the imagery of the big department store in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the perception by the store management when they learn that the sales girls are taking on extra work?

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

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

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

5. Why is Denise so apprehensive about Jouve?

6. Summarize the story of AU BONHEUR DES DAMES.

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

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

9. What is the imagery introduced in Chapter 2 regarding the big department store?

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

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

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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