View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens in the Maheu family as the strike is called?
(a) they steal more food
(b) they are fighting among themselves
(c) it is getting smaller
(d) it is getting poorer

2. Why do the supervisors fine the Maheu team?
(a) for stopping work before lunch
(b) for talking too much
(c) for not meeting the daily quota
(d) for faulty timbering

3. What does Etienne do about what he sees on his walk?
(a) nothing
(b) he watches the miners
(c) he kills the criminal
(d) he reports the problem

4. Why would visitors come to the mining village?
(a) they want to see how poor people live
(b) they're related to some mine investors
(c) they aren't wealthy enough for Paris
(d) they are related to Mrs. Hennebeau

5. Why is the innkeeper friendly with Etienne?
(a) he likes new people
(b) he has money
(c) he knows Pluchart
(d) Etienne buys everyone drinks

6. Why is La Maheude upset about her family?
(a) they won't listen to her
(b) they are leaving home
(c) they all work in the mine
(d) she doesn't have the money to feed them

7. What happens to Jeanlin in the accident in November in the mine?
(a) he is crippled
(b) he is injured
(c) nothing
(d) he is killed

8. What type of job did Etienne have previously?
(a) an artist
(b) a manager
(c) an engineer
(d) a mechanic

9. Why do the miners hate the supervisors?
(a) they don't work much
(b) they're mean and fine them too much
(c) they have more money than the miners
(d) they hit the miners with whips

10. Where did Léon Grégoire get his money?
(a) from his wife
(b) inheritance
(c) stealing
(d) good investments

11. How does Etienne become a good hewer?
(a) advice and help from Catherine
(b) Bonnemort takes him under his wing
(c) Chaval teaches him
(d) he studies a book

12. Why is Deneulin failing in his business?
(a) his accountant steals from him
(b) he is stupid
(c) he has lazy workers
(d) he lacks management skills

13. What is the old aristocratic tradition as far as handling money?
(a) don't worry about money
(b) let someone else handle your money
(c) use capital wisely and moderately
(d) spend a lot of money for status

14. What does Lantier think he must do to save Catherine?
(a) get rid of Chaval
(b) run away with her
(c) tell her parents about Chaval
(d) ask her to marry him

15. How does Léon Grégoire make his money?
(a) from the grocery store
(b) he's a trader
(c) he's a banker
(d) from the mine profits

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Souvarine think is the solution to the miners' problems?

2. Why does Bonnemort go outside to cough when the visitors are there?

3. Who is the overman who hires Étienne Lantier?

4. Why does Chaval almost instantly dislike Etienne?

5. How do the mine owners lower the workers' pay in October?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 508 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample