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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. Why is use of the telephone severely restricted?

2. Which method is successful for the character in attaining the goal?

3. How does Rieux treat the plague victims?

4. In what way has Grand's marriage affected his future?

5. Who comes with M. Joseph Grand to see Dr Rieux?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way do you think Tarrou and Rieux are of like mind?

2. How does the relationship between Dr. Rieux and M. Grand develop?

3. What does Fr. Paneloux tell the people in his sermon at High Mass?

4. Why is Cottard questioned by the police?

5. What is one result of the sudden closing of the city gates?

6. In Part 2 Chapter 3, what measure is taken by the town leaders?

7. Why have telegrams become the main means of contact ordinary people now have with the outside world?

8. As described in Chapter 7, what are the first steps taken to deal with the crisis?

9. What is the main function of the city of Oran?

10. Who is Raymond Rambert?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify the sub-plots in The Plague. These concern the stories of certain characters. In an essay, show how the stories of characters compel us to be interested in the main plot--the struggle against the antagonist, which is the plague itself.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Tarrou, Grand and Cottard. In what ways do these characters develop during the course of the novel? In what ways are their stories resolved?

Essay Topic 3

Usually in a novel there is a network of conflict between characters. While some of this happens in The Plague (think of Rambert's efforts to escape the city), it is minimal. What is the source of conflict in The Plague? Is it internal, external or a combination? How does this conflict arise and how is it worked out?

(see the answer keys)

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