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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 IV, Stanza 2, how does Maldoror usually avoid trouble?

2. When Maldoror starts following Mervyn, what is his dilemma?

3. In Book IV, Stanza 1, how does the narrator describe his success so far in the poem?

4. Who gives the child's funeral service in Book V, Stanza 6?

5. In Book IV, Stanza 5, who does Maldoror believe the man stole his eyes from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Maldoror remember being angry with Falmer?

2. Who is Elsseneur?

3. What happened to Maldoror in Book IV, Stanza 4?

4. What introduction to Book V does the narrator give?

5. In Book IV, Stanza 2, what is Maldoror's conflict with humanity?

6. What happens when Maldoror sees the man hanging from the gallows?

7. How does Maldoror compare himself to the man with stolen eyes in Book IV, Stanza 5?

8. How does Maldoror's letter to Mervyn impact Mervyn?

9. In Book V, Stanza 3, how does the narrator describe people's relationship to death?

10. What have men done to Maldoror in Book IV, Stanza 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the theme of evil throughout "Lautréamont's Maldoror." Discuss how these themes are presented and how free will is part of evil or goodness, giving examples from the text of the choices that a person can make.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What is this poem's commentary on the role of religion in the lives of people? Give examples from the poem to support your position. How could the background of the poet effect how religion is portrayed?

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