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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. Which one of the following was included in those enthusiasms?

2. Ourika felt she owed a great deal to which of the following?

3. The man had saved Ourika from which terrible fate?

4. Even as a small child Ourika was offended by ______.

5. Which of the following is not used to describe Mme de B. at this time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Mme. de B. influence Ourika's imagination and social development?

2. How did Mme. de B. attempt to help Ourika? What was Ourika's solution to her troubles at this time?

3. Describe the change in the relationship between Charles at Ourika.

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

5. How did Ourika perform a disservice even though she was rescued twice?

6. Ourika had a selfish thought about her state of affairs and about Charles' return from his honeymoon. What was the thought?

7. Ourika decided that she must resign herself to her fate. What was the next step taken by Ourika?

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

9. As a result of the Revolution, Mme. de B. and Ourika were forced to leave their home and go into protective custody. Explain the situation.

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

Write a short story or essay on Ourika's life if she had married Charles. Do you think it was ever a possibility? Explain. Do you think that it could have been a scandal? What might Mme. de B. have thought about such a situation? How might Ourika's life have changed if she had not become melancholy? What might her life have been like in 5-10 years?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Ourika referred to Senegal as a land of savagery. Although Ourika had negative impressions of the country, why did she wish to return? Explain what happened to Ourika in Senegal. Explain what happened to Ourika's mother. What might have happened if Ourika had stayed? Also, discuss Senegal then and now.

(see the answer keys)

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