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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 adjective did Ourika use to describe Mme's friends?

2. What is the intended bride's first name?

3. At what time did Charles typically leave?

4. How old was Ourika when she was taken from her homeland?

5. How old was Charles at this time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some or Ourika's earliest childhood memories?

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. What political issues arose soon after Charles' departure? What were Ourika's thoughts on these issues?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

The guillotine is by far the most iconic representation of the French Revolution. Write an essay on the guillotine and alternate forms of torture commonly used at the time. Why was the guillotine so popular as a killing tool? What does it represent today? Where else was it used during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries? Who were the most famous people in history that were killed by a guillotine?

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