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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What do the coach passengers do to pass the two hours before dinner the first day in Totes?
(a) Play cards.
(b) Read the paper.
(c) Recite scripture.
(d) Walk to town.

2. As "Boule de Suif" opens, how many days have the soldiers wandered through town?
(a) One.
(b) Several.
(c) Few.
(d) Two.

3. When they arrive at Totes, the mood at supper after Boule de Suif returns from her meeting with the Prussian officer is characterized as what?
(a) Gloomy.
(b) Tense.
(c) Cheerful.
(d) Mournful.

4. Why does the group of passengers urge Boule de Suif to speak to the Prussian officer when they first arrive in Totes?
(a) Because her refusal could bring trouble on all of them.
(b) Because her compliance would bring them wealth.
(c) Because they wish to get rid of her for good.
(d) Because they are in business with the Prussian officer.

5. At the beginning of the story, the vanquished in the city of Rouen realize they had to be civil to whom?
(a) Their family.
(b) Their conquerors.
(c) Their allies.
(d) Their peers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What settles on the city of Rouen in the beginning of "Boule de Suif"?

2. In the beginning of the story, what do the conquerors exact from the inhabitants of Rouen?

3. According to the coach driver, what does he tell the male passengers who have been looking for him the morning of the first day in Totes that he is forbidden to do?

4. What does the rumor about the Prussians concern in the beginning of "Boule de Suif"?

5. What does Monsieur Follenvie announce about the Prussian officer as the passengers are about to sit down to dinner the first day in Totes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the setting in the opening scene of "Boule de Suif" and its significance.

2. What is the weather like as the passengers wait for the coach to be ready and how is it significant?

3. How does Cornudet respond to the group's celebratory sentiment regarding Boule de Suif's compliance to the Prussian officer's demand, and what is his possible motive?

4. What does Boule de Suif remember in the coach as the passengers eat their lunch without sharing it with her at the end of "Boule de Suif" and why is it significant?

5. Why does Loiseau take off his watch chain in the kitchen as the coach passengers discuss the Prussian officer's motives, and how is it significant?

6. In watching the Prussian officers carrying out their duties, who prefers to stay at the inn because they are indignant at their friendly interaction and why?

7. What do the passengers begin to call Boule de Suif in order to persuade her to sleep with the Prussian officer?

8. What does Monsieur Loiseau reveal to the group about the "mysteries of the corridor" regarding Boule de Suif, and what does their response indicate?

9. How do the other female passengers respond to Boule de Suif's political views in the coach from Rouen and why?

10. What is Maupassant's attitude toward the old nun as the countess tries to manipulate Boule de Suif in sleeping with the Prussian officer?

(see the answer keys)

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