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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. Who breaks their jug on the table in indignation at the Prussian officer's request regarding Boule de Suif?

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

3. What is NOT one of the reasons the coach passengers discuss in the kitchen after the meeting with the Prussian officer the first day in Totes?

4. At dinner the first day in Totes, who manifested a lively and tender sympathy for Boule de Suif?

5. Who sends the Prussian officer a card on which Monsieur Carre-Lamadon inscribes his name and titles?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Cornudet notice about the Loiseaus during their card game before dinner the first day in Totes?

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

4. What kind of duties are the Prussian soldiers engaged in when the male passengers search for the coach driver in town, and why is it surprising?

5. What happens once the Prussians arrive in Rouen and why is it significant?

6. How do the women converse about Boule de Suif and the Prussian and what does it signify?

7. How do the other passengers respond to Boule de Suif's outburst after being questioned by the coach passengers about the Prussian officer's inquiry regarding her?

8. How are the provisions the passengers provide in the coach from Totes described, and why is it significant?

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

10. What is the atmosphere among the coach passengers when they arrive in Totes, and how is it significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the notion of heroism is portrayed in the story. What makes Boule de Suif a heroine?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Boule de Suif's betrayal in the story. Who betrays her and why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss sex in the story.

1) How is sex used as a weapon against Boule de Suif?

2) How is Boule de Suif a victim of her profession?

(see the answer keys)

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