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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Thérèse feel triumphant?

2. What does Léonie think has stopped running?

3. What information does Thérèse not believe from reading the letters?

4. How is Thérèse in competition with Madeleine?

5. What does Léonie wish would break?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Most novels have several themes, one or two main themes and one or more minor themes. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Discuss one of what you believe to be a major theme. Give specific examples of how the theme is illustrated and why you think it is a major theme.

2. Discuss two minor themes of the novel. Give specific examples of how the themes are illustrated and why you choose those themes.

3. Briefly define several themes of the novel and show how they are interrelated, using examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Though this novel contains a complex interrelationship of themes, characters, and imagery, each character, even those not born at the time, is affected by the occupation of the Nazis and their execution of the Jewish family which Henri and Rose shelters. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Trace how Antoinette has been affected by the Nazi occupation of the Martin house and the village. Give examples and discuss what you think actually happened to Antoinette down in the cellar and how that informs the rest of Antoinette's life.

2. After doing some research, discuss how the country of France in general reacts to the Nazi persecution of Jews of French citizenship. Give examples and relate your research to what happens in this novel.

3. Discuss why you think Léonie chooses to reveal what she knows about the events during the Nazi occupation. Is there any reason for going back to the past and trying to place blame? Should anything happen to the informant this long after the actual event? What do you think should be done?

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