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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. What is Tarrou's opinion of his fellow human beings?

2. What reason does Rieux give for writing his tale of the plague in Oran?

3. To what does Dr. Rieux confess?

4. With whom is Fr Paneloux billeted?

5. What has Dr. Castel achieved?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about Tarrou's illness?

2. What is Tarrou's philosophy?

3. Comment on the change in M. Othon.

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

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

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

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

8. Explain the poignancy of Dr. Rieux's walk through the streets.

9. How is it possible for Cottard to help Rambert?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Choose two characters from the novel, one appealing, the other not so. Compare and contrast these two characters, referring closely to the text.

Essay Topic 3

How important is character in this novel? Explain your views, referring closely to the text and focusing in depth on two characters.

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