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. How many knights approach Pantagruel's vessel in Pantagruel: Chapter Sixteen?

2. Who does Pantagruel assign the castellany of Salmagundi in Third Book of Pantagruel: Chapter Two?

3. Whose reputation grows after winning the dispute against the Englishman in Pantagruel: Chapter Fourteen?

4. In Pantagruel: Prologue, the author compared the novel to what literary genre?

5. Who among Pantagruel's men has his neck slit in Pantagruel: Chapter Nineteen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Pantagruel's birth. Why did his father give him the name Pantagruel?

2. What is the subject of Gargantua: Chapters One through Five? What is suggested by Gargamelle's pregnancy?

3. What does the Introduction of Pantagruel reveal about the style and time period of the piece?

4. What argument do Panurge and Pantagruel have about money in the Third Book of Pantagruel?

5. Who does Pantagruel challenge to combat in Pantagruel: Chapter Nineteen? What is the conclusion of the battle?

6. What did Rabelais write in his "Pantagrueline Prognostication for 1533"? What did he assure the reader?

7. What dispute arises in Garganua's homeland in Gargantua: Chapter Twenty-three? Who begins an attack?

8. What does Gargantua attempt to devote himself to in Gargantua: Chapter Twenty? Who assists him?

9. To whom is Pantagruel compared in Pantagruel: Chapter Ten? What office is offered him and why does he refuse it?

10. Who does Pantagruel meet in Pantagruel: Chapter Nine? How is this character described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the plot structure of the Third Book of Pantagruel, delineating the exposition, rising action, climax and denouement. Where are the main characters at the end of the novel? Is there suspense as to what will happen next?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of fortune-telling and superstition during the time the novel was written. How much credit was given to soothsayers, oracles, etc. during Rabelais' time?

Essay Topic 3

Define the literary element of "theme." How is the theme of education manifested in "Gargantua"? What position does Rabelais take on education in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 831 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample