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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. Where do Thérèse and Léonie walk?

2. Who claims to see the devil hiding behind the curtains?

3. Why does Thérèse bang her head against the floor?

4. What do the girls bring up from the cellar?

5. What does Léonie imagine she will do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is foreshadowed in the chapter "The Baby Book"?

2. In "The Writing Table," what is Léonie doing on the advice of her lawyer and why?

3. How does the theme of social class appear in the chapter "The Sack"?

4. What story does Léonie tell Baptiste and what is his response?

5. How do Therèse's actions in this chapter, "The Fish Kettle," foreshadow her decision to become a nun?

6. Briefly describe the scene about the broth and discuss its possible symbolism in the chapter "The Slotted Spoon."

7. What in the chapter, "The Recipe Book," suggests that prejudice still exists against the Jews?

8. The chapter titled, "The Water Bottle" is dense with imagery. Identify two of the images and what they might represent.

9. The burning of objects occur repeatedly throughout this novel, the first idea of this occurring in the chapter "The Altar." What do you think could be the symbolism behind the burning of various objects?

10. What so you think is the symbolism attached to Thérèse jumping free of her burning clothes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 15, we learn that the wood floors of the house are marked by the German soldiers' boots, and the original red tiles are permanently ruined, and Antoinette has had carpet put down to cover these marks. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. How are the floors symbolic of psychological scars and whose scars? Give details and examples.

2. There seems to be a general conspiracy to cover wounds of the past in this story. Who decides to figuratively pull the rugs out from under everyone's feet and reveal what is under them and why does she decide to do so?

3. Do you think it is healthy to "cover up" past scars so that one does not have to think about them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Chapters 21 and 22 demonstrates the complexity of the Léonie and Thérèse's relationship when they are girls. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Does Léonie and Thérèse's relationship seem more positive when they were children than as adults? Why or why not? Be sure to give specific examples to illustrate your stance.

2. Does the difference in Léonie and Thérèse's relationship as children versus adults have anything to do with the nature of friendships between children versus that of adults and upon what each group bases their friendships? Discuss.

3. In several chapters, there is a sexual innuendo that seems to be a part of Léonie and Thérèse's relationship as children. Do you agree with that statement--cite examples to support your stance? Do you think it is common for children of either the same sex or opposite sex to experiment with sex? Does this have any long-lasting effect upon their sexual orientation as adults? Did it in the case of Léonie and Thérèse?

Essay Topic 3

Chapters 18 and 19 both obliquely refer to the rape of Antoinette by a German soldier during WWII. There are a number of references throughout the text that implies that Thérèse, and perhaps even Léonie is a product of this rape. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. List and discuss the references throughout the novel that suggests that Antoinette is raped by a German soldier. Include dreams, conversations, and any other sources. What is your interpretation of the textual evidence?

2. Discuss the references that suggest that Thérèse is a product of the rape. Are there references that imply that Léonie is not only Thérèse's sister, but her twin and is a product of the same rape? Find those references also. What do you believe about the parentage of the two girls? Support your statements with specific textual references.

3. Breasts are an obvious symbol of maternity in that women breastfeed their children. Discuss the implications of Antoinette's breast cancer and her role as a mother juxtaposed next to the fact that she is raped.

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