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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 word is used to describe the Marquise?

2. Ourika's first memories were of sitting in Mme's _____ room.

3. During this time Ourika felt ____.

4. Which of the following had to be delayed due to a contract.

5. Ourika often speaks about the Reign of _____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the doctors say about Ourika's increased and prolonged melancholy? What did Charles and Mme. de B. do to help Ourika?

2. How did Ourika's attitude change after Charles' marriage to Anais? What was Mme. de B.'s reaction?

3. How did Charles' happiness affect Ourika in a negative way? What was her reaction?

4. How was Ourika affected by this new state of melancholy? What was Mme. de B.'s reaction to the change in Ourika?

5. What were Ourika's thoughts about her future? How did those thoughts affect Mme. de B.? What were Ourika's thoughts about Charles when contemplating this new future?

6. What was the only thing that allowed Ourika to be happy during this trying time?

7. When did the Reign of Terror end? How did the situation change when the Reign of Terror ended?

8. How did Ourika's education differ from the education of Charles and his brother? What were Ourika's school experiences?

9. Why is it said that Ourika was rescued twice from slavery? What happened to Ourika in regards to this issue?

10. In addition to the concern about Ourika's health, Mme. de B. had another concern. What was it? What was the solution?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the overall condition of St. Germain and Paris during, before and after the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. What were the major changes? How did they affect the characters in the story? What were the characters' lives like after the war was over? How did the French Revolution and Reign of Terror change the opinions and actions of the characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the French Revolution. Use historical references and cite sources. Explain the purpose of the conflict, how it began, important events and how it affected the history of France. Include major participants in the Revolution, including Robespierre and Louis XIV. Explain how the Revolution ended and the state of France shortly thereafter. Describe how the majority of France reflects on the Revolution.

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