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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is juggling oranges?

2. About whom does Thérèse have violent dreams?

3. What is in the package the mail carrier throws over the gate?

4. Who admits breaking the Quimper bowl?

5. Who did Thérèse substitute for her mother after her mother dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many statements throughout this novel about church, Jesus, Christianity, and in particular, Mary, the mother of Jesus. Additionally, reference is made about Jews, though the Jewish religion is not mentioned too much. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Take three characters and trace their references to religion throughout the novel. Evaluate how strongly each character feels about his/her spiritual life and what each believes. Be sure to cite specific examples to support your statements.

2. Compare and contrast the way the main characters and the village people view Christianity versus Judaism and Christians versus Jews. Be sure to cite specific examples to support your statements.

3. Is this novel about religion and spirituality? If references to religious ideas and beliefs were removed, how substantially would the novel be impacted? Discuss using specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 29, the differences between the English and French and the Roman Catholic religion and the Anglican religion are very visible. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. How different are the English from the French as suggested in this novel? Give specific examples.

2. Do you think there is such as big a difference in the culture of the two countries in the 21st century as in the time frame when the novel first opens (1950's)? Why or why not?

3. What are the major differences between the Roman Catholic Church beliefs and that of the Anglican Church? (You may have to do a little research).

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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