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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Denise notice about Genevieve when she tries to comfort her?

2. What realization does Denise come to?

3. What decision has Mouret made at the beginning of Chapter 9?

4. Why can Denise be nothing more than a mistress to Mouret?

5. What symbolizes life and death in Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Refusing to be bought is an important theme in the story. Cite at least three examples of how the characters refuse to give in or be bought by someone else.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 221 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample