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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 happens to the boy in Book II, Stanza 6, after Maldoror talks with him about heaven?

2. What does the narrator say to do at the end of Book I, Stanza 1?

3. When God passes out on earth, who gives him a coin when he wakes up?

4. Why does Maldoror say nature will wonder at his existence when he dies?

5. Why does Maldoror suggest that the reader grow his/her fingernails out?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book 1, Stanza 8, why does Maldoror say he is like dogs?

2. In Book III, Stanza 5, how does God describe His experience in the brothel?

3. In Book II, Stanza 12, what does Maldoror say about praying as a child?

4. What conversation about heaven does Maldoror have with the boy on the park bench?

5. In Book III, Stanza 3, what does Tremdall witness?

6. What does the child chasing the horse-drawn bus make Maldoror think of?

7. In Book II, what happens to the narrator when he tries to write?

8. Why does Maldoror praise mathematics in Book II, Stanza 10?

9. Why does Maldoror tell men to stop worshiping an insect god?

10. What does Maldoror predict about his death in Book I, Stanza 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is success defined in this poem? How is the search for success a theme? Give specific examples from the poem to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Define the term symbolism. Discuss at least three uses of symbolism throughout this poem and how the symbols effectively portray the theme.

Essay Topic 3

How does this poem describe the conflict between humans and nature? Why is this conflict so important in the poem and in life? Give specific examples of Lautreamont's poem, as well as current events to show the conflict.

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