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

Short Answer Questions

1. How much do the miners' actions at the Jean-Bart mine affect work there?

2. How does Lantier try to help the negotiation process?

3. What does Etienne see Jeanlin do?

4. What does Chaval announce when he comes to the Advantage during the strike?

5. What do the Montsu miners do after they are finished at the Jean-Bart mine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The third section of the novel draws a portrait of the events that lead the miners to go on strike. It also shows the evolution of Étienne Lantier's political ideas.

1. What do you see as the stages in the evolution of Lantier's thinking from sympathy with the miners to action?

2. How might Etienne Lantier's own weaknesses have pushed him to organize the miners?

3. How did his strengths help him?

Use examples from the book to support your opinions.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

There seems to be a huge gap between the rich and poor in this novel.

1. How is this difference shown in the book?

2. Do you see this gap existing in America today? Why or why not?

3. Do you see any morality issue with the gap between the very rich and the very poor?

Use examples to illustrate your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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