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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. Charles often thought of _____ as being the same as existence.

2. What items did Ourika remove from the house to deceive herself?

3. The friends were killed for their loyalty to which of the following?

4. Melancholy is a type of _____.

5. Who became Ourika's constant companion?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Charles received a suggestion from one of Mme. de B.'s friends. What was the suggestion? What was Charles' reaction?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the Reign of Terror. Use historical references and cite sources. Explain the purpose of the conflict, how it began, important events and how it related to the French Revolution as a whole.

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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