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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is M. Grand an interesting character?
(a) He has solved a great mystery.
(b) His life is not fulfilling, yet there is a mystery about him.
(c) He has discovered something amazing hidden in the municipal archives.
(d) He leads an adventurous life.

2. Who questions Cottard?
(a) M. Tarrou.
(b) Inspector Clouseau.
(c) The police inspector.
(d) A public health official.

3. What human attitude concerns Rieux?
(a) Human prejudice and warmongering.
(b) Humans' quick acceptance of reality.
(c) Human infallibility.
(d) Humans' inability to accept reality.

4. What important change in people's behavior does Tarrou record?
(a) That nobody laughs, except drunks.
(b) That they are more tolerant of drunks.
(c) That they laugh at the plague.
(d) That everyone laughs, especially drunks.

5. What is Fr Paneloux's religious order?
(a) He is a Dominican.
(b) He is a Discalced Carmelite.
(c) He is a Franciscan.
(d) He is a Jesuit.

6. What is the town's response to the Week of Prayer?
(a) There is heavy attendance at Mass.
(b) Some people attend Mass, but most party on.
(c) People are indifferent, uninterested.
(d) They resist it, but it happens anyway.

7. How does the Spaniard spend his days?
(a) Writing a novel.
(b) Counting dried peas.
(c) Reading.
(d) Counting rats.

8. Who volunteers to help Rieux?
(a) Paneloux.
(b) Cottard.
(c) Tarrou.
(d) Rambert.

9. In what country is the story set?
(a) France.
(b) Nigeria.
(c) Algeria.
(d) Armenia.

10. Why hasn't M. Grand been able to correct the mistake made about his promotion?
(a) He cannot find the time.
(b) He cannot find the right words.
(c) He cannot find his application form.
(d) The authorities will not allow him to do this.

11. An unusual thing about the city is that:
(a) Everybody has a garden.
(b) It is famous for its plants and animals.
(c) It has no native plants or animals.
(d) It has abundant water.

12. After the sermon, what happens in the town?
(a) People couldn't care less.
(b) People are motivated to help the plague victims.
(c) People panic.
(d) People go back to work.

13. What is the apparent result of this weather condition?
(a) The number of plague victims decreases.
(b) The rain refreshes everyone.
(c) There is an increase in the number of plague victims.
(d) Rats are washed into the water supply.

14. What creative problem does Grand have?
(a) He is having trouble with creating an antagonist.
(b) He is stuck on the first sentence.
(c) He can't do any research because of the plague.
(d) He is stuck on page 6.

15. Who is Joseph Grand?
(a) He is Dr. Rieux's neighbor.
(b) He is M. Tarrou's neighbor.
(c) He is a Masonic Grand Master.
(d) He is Cottard's neighbor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the problem with the shipment of serum?

2. With what does Rieux contrast pictures of the plague through history?

3. Where is this information to be found?

4. Who is the first victim of the plague?

5. What does Rieux ask Jean Tarrou to do for him?

(see the answer keys)

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