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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. In Book II, Stanza 11, why does Maldoror throw a rock at a lamp?

2. In Book I, Stanza 2, what form does hatred take?

3. In Book I, Stanza 4, the narrator says all men feel what?

4. Why was the hermaphrodite granted a pension?

5. Why does Maldoror strangle the child in Book I, Stanza 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Mario and Maldoror travel together in Book III, what do they talk about?

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

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

4. What does the narrator say in Book I, Stanza 14?

5. What does the grave digger tell Maldoror about mortality?

6. In Book I Stanza 5, what is the first thing Maldoror tells the reader?

7. What happens to God when He passes out drunk on earth?

8. How does Maldoror react to the sharks who swarm the capsized ship in Book II, Stanza 13?

9. What does the narrator warn the reader about before Maldoror's story begins?

10. What does Maldoror do after watching the family eat dinner in Book I, Stanza 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

How is conscience developed as a theme in "Lautréamont's Maldoror"? Give specific examples of the use of conscience in the poem.

Essay Topic 3

How are gender roles defined in this poem? What role does division of gender play in this poem, including its themes?

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