View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. After running into Binet, what do Emma and Rodolphe decide to do?

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. What happens to Justin while Charles is helping Boulanger?

4. What event causes the delay of the "Hirondelle" and also marks the loss of Emma's last remaining confidante?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 2, Emma is introduced to the reader. How is she described?

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

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

4. What clues can you find in Part 2: Chapter 6 to Flaubert's assessment of the Church?

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

6. In Part 2: Chapter 2 Emma reflects on each of the 4 different beds she has slept on in her life. How does each of these beds represent an important stage in her development as a character?

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

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

9. What character types do the animals at the fair symbolize in Chapter 2: Part 8?

10. In Part 2: Chapter 2, Emma meets Léon. What is it about him that Emma finds attractive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, Emma's love relationships and focus on shopping show us the indications of a manic or addictive personality. Provide examples from throughout the text that indicate this. Would you consider Emma to be an addict? Why or why not? Do you think Emma could have ever been helped? Explain why.

Essay Topic 2

Emma loves to read, and she has a penchant for gothic, dramatic themes. Choose one of the following genres of literature that Emma enjoys reading. Explain the genre and its main themes, and then connect these themes to Emma's own life. How do the plots in these books reveal deeper aspects of Emma's personality?

- Historical novels by Sir Walter Scott.

- Biographies of unhappy women.

- Romantic novels.

Essay Topic 3

Emma is looking for an idealized love that she quickly realizes is not to be found within a middle-class marriage. Describe Emma's ideal relationship. Who would be her perfect partner? Does such a person exist? Do you think Emma ever could have found happiness?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,036 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample