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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. How is food distributed to the people in the camp?

2. What is the prime factor in his decision?

3. Who ecomes general secretary to the squads of volunteers?

4. What is at the core of Rambert's problem?

5. Why does Rieux weep?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think has led Dr. Rieux to unburden himself to Grand?

2. Comment on the change in M. Othon.

3. Has Cottard really gained from his profiteering during the plague?

4. What gives the people cause for hope in Part 5 Chapter 1?

5. What is the effect of the child's death upon the other characters?

6. Comment on the 'reality' behind the phenomenon of the Oran people, now free of the plague, walking the streets.

7. Account for Cottard's behavior in Part 5 Chapter 5.

8. What choice does Rambert make in Part 4 Chapter 2?

9. What is the reason for Rambert's decision?

10. Why cannot jubilation be complete at this point (Part 5 Chapter 1)?

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 Rambert and Rieux. In what ways do these characters develop during the course of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Weather conditions in Oran are frequently described at important points in the novel. Examine the ways three of these are connected emotionally or thematically with the action and/or characters in the novel.

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