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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. How does Boule de Suif respond to the matrons loud whispers of "hussy" and "public scandal" about her?

2. What does Monsieur Follenvie tell his wife to do when she comes to fetch him to go to bed during the card game?

3. How do the leaders of "Avengers of Defeat," "Citizens of the Tomb," and "Brethren in Death" behave?

4. In the beginning of "Boule de Suif," what are the "Avengers of Defeat," "Citizens of the Tomb," and "Brethren in Death."

5. Why does the group of passengers urge Boule de Suif to speak to the Prussian officer when they first arrive in Totes?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the count try to persuade Boule de Suif to sleep with the Prussian, and why is it significant?

2. What are Cornudet's political views and why are they significant?

3. What are Boule de Suif's political views and what do they signify?

4. What is significant about the men's conversation when they meet at the coach before daybreak?

5. How does Boule de Suif respond to the Prussian's inquiry about whether or not she has changed her mind, and why is it significant?

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

7. What is the reaction among the passengers when Monsieur Follenvie comes in to inquire about whether Elisabeth Rousset has changed her mind?

8. What are the citizens of Rouen anticipating in the beginning of "Boule de Suif" and how does the atmosphere in the city influence its inhabitants?

9. Why does Cornudet whistle and hum in the coach at the end of "Boule de Suif"?

10. How do the women on the coach treat Boule de Suif on the first leg of their journey and why is it significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of religion in "Boule de Suif"?

1) How are the nuns portrayed in the story?

2) What is Boule de Suif's relationship to religion?

3) How are sacrifice, forgiveness, and sin discussed?

Essay Topic 2

Corruption is prevalent in occupied France during the Franco-Prussian war.

1) Who benefits from the corrupt political and economic system?

2) Who suffers from corruption?

3) Who abuses power and how?

Essay Topic 3

Compare treatment of Boule de Suif before and after her compliance to sleep with the Prussian officer. What are the similarities and differences by the other passengers?

(see the answer keys)

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