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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is physically wrong with the beggar that Emma encounters on her way home to Yonville?

2. How does Emma try to raise the money to pay off her debts?

3. What happens when Emma asks Rodolphe for the money?

4. What does Charles do during Emma's funeral?

5. To whom does the boatman allude having been on the boat recently?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homais can be considered both a hero and an anti-hero. Explain why giving examples for each view. How do you personally view Homais?

Essay Topic 2

In many ways, Madame Bovary is a critique of the middle-class life, and the constraints, expectations, and disappointments that are a part of it. Compare the world of the Bovarys to a typical American middle class existence. Specifically, address the following issues faced by the typical middle class family today and relate them to themes that Flaubert threads throughout his novel:

- Debt and financial crises

- The increase in depression and the need for therapy

- A search for community through online or virtual meeting places rather than in face-to-face scenarios

Essay Topic 3

The idea of "provincial living" is often critiqued by Emma. She feels constrained by both her life in Tostes and in Yonville. Describe what specifically distresses her about the provincial life. What do other characters in the novel seem to like about it?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 329 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample