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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 is Vauvinet's profession?

2. Whose post in the War Ministry does Baron Hulot attempt to obtain for Marneffe?

3. What complaint does Lisbeth have when the Baron goes to her flat looking for Valerie?

4. At what time does Wenceslas arrive home after dining with Valerie Marneffe?

5. Why does Valerie want Baron Hulot to bring Wenceslas to dine with them?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Whom does Hector ask to solve his compromising situation with the Marneffes? What does this character do to help the Baron?

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

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

5. Who interrupts Valerie and Hector during their clandestine meeting in Crevel's love nest? By whom is this character accompanied? What does this character tell the Baron about Valerie Marneffe and her husband?

6. What plan does Adeline conceive to save her uncle? What is the outcome?

7. What solution does Bette give for Hortense and Wenceslas' money troubles? Why does Hortense object to this solution?

8. What does Adeline advise Hortense to do after her first quarrel with Wenceslas over Valerie Marneffe? What does Adeline reveal to her daughter about her own marriage?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the importance of setting in Cousin Bette? Where do the significant scenes take place? In what time period is the novel set? Why is this significant?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, the author uses several objects for symbolic purposes. Choose two examples of symbols from the text and discuss their significance. How do these symbols relate to the themes and message of Cousin Bette?

Essay Topic 3

How are both internal and external conflicts manifested in the novel? Choose an example of each type and analyze the significance of each as an element of the plot of Cousin Bette. How do these conflicts contribute to the overall message of the text?

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