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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 is Papillon's only rule for the three convicts wanting to leave on his boat?

2. Who is the other prisoner who is going to escape with Papillon?

3. What are the men in the Caen jail not allowed to do all day?

4. What happens to Papillon and the others when arriving at Curacao?

5. What job does Galgani have at the bagne at this time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What misfortune befalls Papillon after he leaves the three convicts out on a beach a little ways from Trinidad?

2. Where is Papillon when the story begins and why does he think he is in his current situation?

3. What becomes Papillon's method of communicating while in solitary confinement?

4. What happens to hamper the escape attempt?

5. Why does Papillon agree to carry a plan for another prisoner?

6. What does Papillon learn about prison sentences for men in Colombia?

7. What kind of reception do Papillon and his cohorts receive in Trinidad?

8. How does Papillon describe the conditions of the men waiting to be transported to the bagne?

9. How are wardens punished when a prisoner escapes during their watch?

10. What is the great irony of Clousiot's release from solitary confinement?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for Papillon's life. Be sure to incorporate geographical, personal, political and cultural impacts.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the book. Why do the penal colony prisoners have especially lonely lives? Is that designed by the authorities to make the punishments especially trying? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting and time period for Charriere's life. What was France and French Guiana like during this time period? How important are the time period and setting to the attitudes and issues of Charriere?

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This section contains 986 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample