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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. Why is the gravedigger Elvis so nicknamed?

2. In Chapter 41, who takes Leonine on holiday?

3. What does Irene first notice is attractive about Gabriel?

4. Who is Gabriel's first wife?

5. Who writes Violette the first love letter she has ever received?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Violette like about Philippe when they first meet?

2. How does Violette get rid of teenagers being disrespectful in the cemetery?

3. What book captivates Violette, and why?

4. In Chapter 37, why does Philippe come to see Violette?

5. What does Violette do as cemetery care-taker that is above and beyond what she needs to do?

6. How does Philippe routinely betray Violette in their marriage?

7. In Chapter 3, why do Violette and Philippe lose their jobs as level-crossing guards?

8. What is a great equalizer, according to Violette in Chapter 1?

9. In Chapter 27, what does Violette do as soon as Leonine is born in regards to literature?

10. How does Violette get along with the other cemetery workers, the gravediggers and undertakers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do you understand Perrin's description, at the novel's end, of Philippe's death? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

When and how does Perrin establish the ideas of "family" and "home" as seen through the orphaned Violette's eyes? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Perrin chooses to close the novel with Violette's reunion with Julien? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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