View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Clamence return to when he is struck?

2. What kind of soldier does Clamence tell a story about?

3. What does the young woman do in Clamence's story?

4. What does Clamence believe his story illustrates?

5. What type of drink do the men have?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Clamence's role as a deus ex machina an accurate metaphor for his work with the demoralized criminals of Paris?

2. What is Clamence's opinion on the Dutch?

3. What does Clamence say his sign would be?

4. What was Clamence's role in Paris society?

5. What is Clamence's opinion on slavery?

6. Describe the Mexico City bar.

7. Why does Clamence say he strives to be selfless?

8. In what way does Clamence show himself to be a narcissist?

9. How does Clamence see himself?

10. What does Clamence show himself up to be in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) Discuss elements of the narrative structure; Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

2) Away from the narrator examine the way Camus uses the other characters in the story. In what way do they help Clamence get his view across to the reader?

Essay Topic 2

What is Clamence referring to when he states without the strict dynamic of master and servant, any argument could stretch into affinity? Can the view be attribute to today's society or is such a view specific to the 1950s? Why would any argument stretch into affinity?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1950s? How does Camus express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novels meaning would change if it was set in today's society?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 735 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample