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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the miners organize a meeting in the forest?

2. What does Etienne see Jeanlin do?

3. Where do the miners go when they leave the Hennebeaus?

4. Why does Lantier decide to hide?

5. What does Etienne think about his position as leader in the strike?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The fourth part of the novel outlines the positions of the two camps involved in the growing conflict - the miners and the Company's representatives.

1. Why do you think the mine owners are unwilling to listen to the miners?

2. Do you think the miners were demanding too much from the mine owners? Why or why not?

3. If you were a negotiator between these two groups how would you attempt to forge an agreement?

Essay Topic 2

The implosion of the Voreux signifies the death of the starving monster. In a single strike of irony, the water flowing in the veins of the earth drowns the man-made hell.

1. What do you think this statement means?

2. What kind of picture do you see when you read Zola's descriptions of the undamaged and damaged mine?

Use examples from the text to illustrate your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Zola uses a writing style and a combination of techniques that are equivalent to the painting style and techniques of the late nineteenth century impressionists.

1. How do you think Zola's writing style relates to the theme and plot of the book?

2. How do you think the impact of the book would change had Zola used a more concrete writing style?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 331 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample