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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 type of facility did the doctor visit?

2. In which year did the couple do to France?

3. Ourika suffered from which mental illness?

4. Which term does Fowles use to describe Ourika's ethnic situation?

5. What was Claire's title at this time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What major events took place while Claire was living in England? How and when did Claire meet her husband? What was his background?

2. How was Fowles inspired by Ourika? What came from that inspiration?

3. What is Ourika's final "decision" when it comes to understanding and accepting her heritage as a black woman?

4. What about Ourika's presence surprises the doctor? What is Ourika's reasoning for her illness?

5. What illegal act took place as a result of the success of Claire's books?

6. What does Fowles say about Claire de Duras' work as a white novelist writing about a black woman in France?

7. What was the next step for Claire de Duras? What major accomplishment did she make during this time?

8. What does Duras' depiction of Ourika tend to continue to be important regarding race and feminism?

9. Who is Ourika? What was Ourika's history?

10. What happens after the doctor's first visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a complete character description of Mme. de B. Explain her roles in society both as a matriarch and as the patron of Ourika.

Essay Topic 2

Ourika and Mme. de B. had an unusual relationship. Explain in detail the relationship between the lady and the young black girl. Describe Mme. de B.'s purpose and incentive in raising Ourika as a surrogate granddaughter.

Essay Topic 3

The introduction discusses the non-publication of de Duras' books. "Ourika" was published in a limited private edition in 1823 with "Edouard" being published in a similar format two years later. Aside from Ourika, the first novel, and Edouard, one of de Duras' other books, there were three that were never published. Why? What do you think caused Ourika to refuse to publish the books, either publicly or privately? Do you think de Duras was intimidated by the men that were technically her equals or subordinates? Explain. Why do you think the books were never published posthumously? Do you think de Duras' books would have an audience today?

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This section contains 989 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample