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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. Why was the hermaphrodite granted a pension?

2. To what does the grave-digger say his occupation is tied?

3. In Book II, Stanza 1, what does the narrator say Maldoror is for the reader?

4. Why did the bulldog Maldoror sent to kill the mad woman's daughter not kill the girl?

5. Why does Maldoror say he believes God has a right to eat men?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book II, Stanza 15, what does Maldoror do when he finds himself at odds with conscience?

2. What does Maldoror do when the bulldog he sends to kill the mad woman's daughter doesn't kill her?

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

4. What happens to Maldoror when he realizes he was born evil?

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

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

7. What happens when the grave-digger asks Maldoror about his life?

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

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

10. In Book I, Stanza 6, what does Maldoror suggest people do to children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the poet use descriptive passages instead of dialogue to develop the story of Maldoror?

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

Examine the way the poem, "Lautréamont's Maldoror" is organized. Why did the poet use these divisions? What makes these divisions effective? How are they ineffective?

(see the answer keys)

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