3. In the morning of their first day in Totes, what do the male passengers see the Prussian soldiers doing in the town square while looking for the coach driver?

4. In "Boule de Suif," how do the men speak of money matters in the coach?

5. Who declares at dinner the first day in Totes that the Prussians behaved liked "ancient barbarians"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the song Cornudet whistles and hums at the end of "Boule de Suif" and what does it mean?

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

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

5. How does Madame Carre-Lamadon describe the Prussian officer and what does it signify?

6. What does Boule de Suif bring for lunch and why is it significant?

7. How do the other passengers respond to Boule de Suif the morning of their departure from Totes, and how is it significant?

8. On their walk the second afternoon in Totes, how does the landscape fit with the passengers' mood?

9. When night falls on the first leg of their journey from Rouen, what is implied by a sudden movement in the back where Boule de Suif and Cornudet are sitting?

10. How does the countess use the old nun to manipulate Boule de Suif into considering sleeping with the Prussian officer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Language is a powerful tool in the story. Choose 2 scenes and discuss how language is used to manipulate, convince, lecture, flatter, and/or demean Boule de Suif.