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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. The name of the town in which the doctor visited Ourika is Faubourg Saint _____.

2. Who was one of the two people that developed the term?

3. Which city did the family visit in the US?

4. How long did it take Claire to write the novels?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the basic premise of Claire de Duras' "Ourika?"

3. What happened to Ourika when she left Senegal? Who took care of her?

4. What were Fowles' thoughts on writing a historical novel? What caused him to change his mind?

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

6. How does Ourika differ from the protagonists of other Romantic works?

7. What does John Fowles say about the way he learned to love literature?

8. What was the Black Code? How did it affect slavery in France?

9. What does Ourika claim is her problem? What does the doctor notice about Ourika's condition? What is the doctor's advice?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the introductory section of the book, it is said that Ourika is much different from most protagonists in literature. Is this true? If so, how? What makes Ourika different? Is that comment true of French literature or literature in general? What might have made Ourika's situation more common or appropriate for a typical protagonist? How might you portray Ourika in a more contemporary light?

Essay Topic 2

Claire de Duras was an unusual woman for her time. Write a complete character description of Claire de Duras from her youth, time abroad, and accomplishments as a writer. Include Claire de Duras' inspiration and interest in Ourika. Also, explain her prolific lifestyle in exile as well as the reason for the exile.

Essay Topic 3

During the height of the success experienced by Claire de Duras, there were many people that became jealous of de Curas' "overnight success." As such, they became determined to make a profit from Claire's anonymous status. The people included in this deception were Stedhal and Latouche. Discuss this situation and the legalities involved. What laws might have prevented the men from stealing de Duras' fame and reputation? How have copyright laws changed since that time? What are the copyright laws today? How would de Duras be protected under current law?

(see the answer keys)

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