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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. Which trio of men develop a close friendship?

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

3. What criticism is made of Fr Paneloux after the sermon?

4. What is Rieux's opinion about the case?

5. How are people coping as the plague continues?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which characters now volunteer as plague workers?

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

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

4. How are local printing firms and newspapers able to profit by people's fear of the plague?

5. Why is there a steady supply of workers taking care of burials?

6. Comment on the change in M. Othon.

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

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

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

10. What is unusual about Tarrou's illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In your own words, describe the setting of the city of Oran. Do you think this setting is an appropriate one for Camus' novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

'The Plague shows us the way people deal with adversity.' People's responses to adversity are affected by their strength of character, or the lack thereof, as well as their outlook on life. Examine the popular responses to the plague situation and compare these with Dr. Rieux's.

Essay Topic 3

After the death of M. Othon's little boy, the men who have tried to save him are devastated and undergo a change. Choose two of the characters present at the boy's death. Describe the way the characters react at the time. In what ways are they different for the rest of the novel?

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