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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 is the name of Uncle Baudu's daughter?

4. For what department is Bouthemont the buyer?

5. What position does Albert's father, Lhomme, have at the store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Denise proof that Mouret's money will not buy him everything he wants?

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

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

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

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

6. Why is Denise so apprehensive about Jouve?

7. Why does Mouret's money and power agitate Denise?

8. What are Bourdoncle's business philosophies that are in sharp contrast to Mouret's?

9. Describe the initial contacts between Denise and Mouret.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Manipulation takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this technique.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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