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

Short Answer Questions

1. By January, what problem do the striking miners face?

2. What does the owner of the Jean-Bart mine think will happen if the miners strike his mine?

3. How do the soldiers respond to the miners?

4. What causes an explosion at the Jean-Bart mine?

5. How does Grégoire feel about what the miners want?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

As the miners march toward Montsou, their numbers grow; the more they grow, the more they feel certain of their success. This anticipated success leads the striking miners to commit acts they would not have the strength to perform individually.

1. How do the miners demonstrate the power of a crowd?

2. There are also examples of the power of an individual in the book. What were two of them?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses the environment to underline the symbolic value of Étienne Lantier's move from timid indignation to effective political action. For instance, Lantier and his supporters decide to leave the tavern of the Rasseneurs and move to another meeting place because the former serve "warm beer" and "bad soup."

1. What other situations in the environment to you see reflecting the situations with the miners?

2. How did Etienne's relationships with the miners and the Maheu family reflect his change from outsider to political leader?

(see the answer keys)

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