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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What seems to disappoint Emma about her pregnancy and the birth of her child, Berthe?

2. Where is Emma when she compares her husband to Léon and begins to realize that she is no longer in love with her husband?

3. Why is Charles unhappy during his first few weeks as Yonville's doctor?

4. What is Monsieur Binet doing when Emma runs into him on the way to visit Rodolphe?

5. What is the primary activity of the weekly Sunday parties at the Homais home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What themes in the books she reads reveal specific aspects of Emma's personality in Chapter 6?

2. How are Léon and Emma like honeymooners in Part 3: Chapter 3?

3. What specifically does Charles do to help Emma recover that shows his true devotion to his wife in Part 2: Chapter 13?

4. Rodolphe is a very manipulative character. What are some ways he manipulates both Charles and Emma in Part 2: Chapter 9?

5. Describe the beggar's appearance in Part 3: Chapter 5.

6. What experiences does Emma have at the ball at La Vaubyessard in Chapter 8 that seem to redefine her perceptions and expectations?

7. Why does Emma allow herself to be so easily persuaded by Lhereux in Part 3: Chapter 2?

8. Charles continually sacrifices to make his wife happy. Do you think this shows true selflessness or foolishness?

9. Justin is surrounded by strong-willed women. Explain his relationship with Félicité and Emma in Part 2: Chapter 12.

10. Emma has a very fickle nature. What are some examples of this that are revealed in Part 2: Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bovarism describes an attitude of self-indulgence and hedonism that is self-destructive. Obviously, Emma's character is the inspiration for this name. Can bovarism ever be positive? Did any of Emma's behaviors and actions ever help others or leave positive effects or consequences? Explain using examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Charles, Rodolphe, and Léon embody three very different types of man, all of whom play into Emma's needs in some way. Describe each of Emma's partners and what she initially finds attractive about them. What is it about each of them that she finds irritating or banal? Can you see any similarities in the three?

Essay Topic 3

The novel presents many tragic deaths, and the characters deal with them in often what seem like unsympathetic ways. What does this tell you about Flaubert's view of middle-class society. Describe the following deaths and how the surviving friends and family members react to them:

• The death of Charles' first wife.

• The death of Charles' father.

• Emma's death.

(see the answer keys)

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