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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. Who is Uncle Baudu's assistant?

2. Which of the following does NOT describe Au Bonheur des Dames?

3. On whom does Denise develop a crush?

4. What is a prominent theme in Chapter 7?

5. For what department is Bouthemont the buyer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the store blocking the sun from the surrounding neighborhoods?

2. Explain Denise's internal conflict related to her burgeoning feelings for Mouret.

3. What realization does Robineau come to regarding Denise's opinion on why large stores are so successful?

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

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

6. What are Mouret's expansion plans?

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

8. How does the store bring out the worst in the store's customers?

9. What is the burgeoning awareness between Mouret and Denise?

10. How does Baudu's store fare during the road construction period?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What does the author mean by calling the book AU BONHEUR DES DAMES? Cite an example to support your answer. Can you suggest another title which you think is more appropriate for the book?

Essay Topic 3

Zola uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the novel. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

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