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

Short Answer Questions

1. What realization does Denise come to?

2. What is Madame Desforges' plan?

3. What does Madame Desforges consider Denise to be?

4. What type of women does Madame Desforges say that Mouret's store cannot dress?

5. Which of the following best describes Mouret's feelings about the rumors of Denise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Zola use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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