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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. For how long does Monsieur Crevel estimate that the Baroness will remain beautiful?

2. Who is Jenny Cadine's protector?

3. According to the narrator, what is the fundamental feature of Lisbeth's character?

4. What happens just as Lisbeth is about to set up her own business?

5. With whom is Lisbeth on good terms in all of the houses she frequents?

Short Essay Questions

1. With whom does Lisbeth discuss the Baron's fascination with Valerie Marneffe? According to Lisbeth, what has Baron Hulot done to win her favor?

2. Whom does Wenceslas see when he returns home? Whom does he say has purchased his bronze group and offered him work?

3. What proof does Lisbeth provide of the existence of her admirer? What does she receive from Hortense in exchange for this information?

4. Who is the first character introduced in the novel? What information is surmised about his age? How is this information revealed?

5. Where does the Baron go after he finds the opera to be closed? What does he learn when he arrives there?

6. How does Lisbeth describe her relationship with Wenceslas to Valerie Marneffe? What proof of his connection to Hortense does Valerie show to Lisbeth?

7. What information about Wenceslas' professional life does Valerie give to Lisbeth? What information about Wenceslas' personal life does she give Lisbeth? How does Lisbeth react to this news?

8. After Wenceslas sells his bronze group, who comes to visit Lisbeth at her flat? What is the purpose of this visit?

9. Why does the Baroness summon Monsieur Crevel? Which of Monsieur Crevel's actions have affected the Baroness? Why has he acted this way?

10. Where does Monsieur Grasset take Wenceslas? Why does this happen to the young artist?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are letters used as a literary device in Cousin Bette? Choose three examples from the text and discuss what information is revealed in each of these letters. Why is this information revealed in a letter rather than a dialogue? How is the materiality of the letter itself important in the advancement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

What is the relationship between Lisbeth and Valerie Marneffe? Using three examples from the novel, explain how Valerie and Lisbeth's relationship developed over time. Do the two women really care for one another or are they united by malice and spite only? Give details from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Pride is a significant theme in Cousin Bette. What is the message conveyed about pride in this novel? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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