View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Boule de Suif," who has the best seats in the coach?

2. In "Boule de Suif," why could no one mention Loiseau's name without adding that he was an "extraordinary man"?

3. At three o'clock, what does Boule de Suif remove from an enormous dish in the story?

4. In "Boule de Suif," where do the travelers meet to take their seats in the coach in the morning?

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. What examples of women who have arrested the victorious progress of the conquerors do the passengers give Boule de Suif in order to persuade her to sleep with the Prussian officer and why is it significant?

2. How does Boule de Suif appear when she arrives at the coach the morning after she sleeps with the Prussian officer and how is it significant?

3. What does Madame Loiseau mean when she remarks to her husband on their way to bed regarding Madame Carre-Lamadon that she "laughed on the wrong side of her mouth all evening"?

4. How does Monsieur Follenvie respond to the travelers inquiries about the Prussian officer and why is it significant?

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

6. When the group witnesses the Prussian soldiers carrying out their duties, what does the old man tell them about his experience with the soldiers?

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

8. What is the Prussian officer's manner and dress when he meets with the male passengers in his room and how does it contrast with the male passengers?

9. When the passengers congregate in the kitchen to discuss the Prussian's motives for detaining them the first day, what are their assumptions and how are they significant?

10. What is the passengers' attitude toward Boule de Suif on their second day of detention in Totes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is the main antagonist in "Boule de Suif"? Is it the Prussian officer or the other passengers?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss class in "Boule de Suif."

1) How does class function?

2) How does class impact the characters' in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 938 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample