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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. What does Boule de Suif stammer when she returns from her meeting with Prussian officer when they first arrive in Totes?

2. 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?

3. After night falls, what does Madame de Breville offer Boule de Suif when the cold makes her shiver in the coach?

4. What is the name of the card game the men propose to play after dinner the first day in Totes?

5. During their first supper in Totes, who states "War is a barbarous proceeding when we attack a peaceful neighbor, but it is a sacred duty when undertaken in defense of one' country."

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. 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?

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

6. 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?

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

8. What analogy does Maupassant make in order to describe how the passengers discuss their strategies in approaching Boule de Suif about sleeping with the Prussian officer, and why is it significant?

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

10. How does Boule de Suif reject Cornudet's advances and what does it signify?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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?

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)

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