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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 3, how is the man hanging from the gallows?

2. In Book V, Stanza 1, what does the narrator say is unique about his point of view?

3. In Book IV, Stanza 5, why does Maldoror say he once scalped a man?

4. Why does Maldoror say he threw Falmer against a tree?

5. What is on top of the mound the beetle rolls ball to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has the man in Book IV, Stanza 7 adapted to living at sea?

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

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

4. What does the narrator think of martyrs?

5. Why does Maldoror remember being angry with Falmer?

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

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

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

9. How does Elsseneur try to seek revenge against Maldoror?

10. What does the narrator reflect on in Book IV, Stanza 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how and why animals are used in "Lautréamont's Maldoror," giving specific examples from the text to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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