View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Rieux find out about his wife's condition?

2. What is happening across the road from Grand's building?

3. To what does Tarrou compare lawyers and judges?

4. How are people coping as the plague continues?

5. What is Dr. Castel's work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can we tell that Tarrou is a force for good in the town?

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

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

4. Comment on the change in M. Othon.

5. Which characters now volunteer as plague workers?

6. What drastic developments are depicted in Part 3 Chapter 1?

7. What is Tarrou's philosophy?

8. Do you think Dr. Castel's serum is likely to be of help?

9. What changes does the plague seem to be undergoing?

10. What is unusual about Tarrou's illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

'The Plague shows us love, loyalty and heroic selflessness.' Discuss with close reference to three characters.

Essay Topic 2

'Camus' novel The Plague shows us a hero who isn't exactly heroic.' Do you agree or disagree? What is the conventional idea of 'the hero' and does Dr. Rieux fit in with that idea? Discuss the kinds of heroism depicted in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The Plague includes conflict between certain ideologies and world views. For example, between those who do not believe in Christianity (like Dr. Rieux) and those who do. There is also action that represents the conflict between the interests of the individual and those of society. Select an area of ideological conflict that interests you and discuss the way this is represented in The Plague. Is the conflict resolved?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 819 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample