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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. To whom does Adeline give the little money she has received from the Baron, thereby depriving herself even of food?

2. Where does Valerie mention having seen Wenceslas in person before their first formal meeting in her house?

3. What circumstances led to Stidman's introduction to Valerie in the Rue Vaneau?

4. When Hector Hulot returns home from Valerie's house after hearing of the problem between Wenceslas and Hortense, what does he discover Adeline doing?

5. With whom does Wenceslas claim to be dining while he is at Valerie Marneffe's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. In his letter to the Baron, what does Johann Fischer ask for? What is his plan if Hector cannot help him?

2. What happens when Hector goes to visit Valerie after he receives her letter? How does he receive a message from her and what is communicated?

3. What post does Valerie ask Hector to obtain for Marneffe? What complications does Hector face in carrying out this wish for his mistress?

4. How does Valerie use her pregnancy to benefit financially and socially? Which men are affected by this news?

5. What has happened to Wenceslas professionally in the three years since he has married Hortense? To what is this change attributed?

6. Besides the news of the embezzlement scheme in the newspaper, what other news item is featured in the Revue des Beaux-Arts? What is Hortense's reaction to this item?

7. What publication makes Lisbeth so happy? What event begins a chain of events that will end this happiness?

8. What problem with her husband does Valerie alert Hector to in a letter? What solution does she suggest to this predicament? How does Hector respond to this suggestion?

9. In whom does Hector confide his devastation about Valerie? What is this character's response?

10. What proof of Wenceslas' infidelity does Hortense receive? What does she decide to do after she receives this proof and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of social class in Cousin Bette? How does this theme affect the relationship between the characters and advance the plot of the novel? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is an important device employed in Cousin Bette. How does the author employ this device? What purpose does it serve? Use three specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of deception is highlighted throughout the novel Cousin Bette. Choose three examples of deception from the novel and analyze the events and characters to which they relate. What message about deception and truth is conveyed in the novel?

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