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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 M. Othon's predicament solved?

2. What seems to be an important factor in the reduction of plague deaths?

3. What target audience has Fr Paneloux for his special sermon?

4. Which other character does Tarrou discuss in this part of his journal?

5. Who does Rieux confide in?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Explain the significance of The Plague's final paragraph.

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

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

6. Which characters now volunteer as plague workers?

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

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

9. What is the situation in the camps for people in quarantine?

10. What is Tarrou's philosophy?

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

Some people are of the opinion that the twentieth century produced no greater novel than The Plague. Why do you think people have said this? In your answer, deal with themes and characters.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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