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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 of the following does does Arlette Corail express confidence in?

2. Where is Philippe Pericand's parish?

3. What happens only seconds after the Pericands' cat slips back through the window?

4. After running out of fuel, why is Charles Langelet afraid to leave his car?

5. What is the condition of the soldier in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Chapter 20, with the scene of the cat in the garden, contrast with Chapter 21, as the Pericands flee the burning village?

2. What happens once Gabriel Corte receives some food and why is it ironic considering his attitude about his situation?

3. What does the elder Monsieur Pericand dictate in his will to the notary?

4. In the opening of the novel, what is happening in Paris and what are the attitudes of the citizens?

5. Describe Gabriel Corte's attitude about the migration of refugees.

6. According to the conversation between Hortense, Jules, and Aline, what are their feelings toward the rich?

7. Why is Father Philippe Pericand torn by his feelings about the boys he is caring for?

8. Describe the character of Gabriel Corte.

9. What has Hubert Pericand decided to do concerning the war and why?

10. What are Philippe Pericand's feelings toward the children of the Children's Home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A few characters in the novel seem reluctant to evacuate Paris and bothered by the fact that they have to share the plight of the exodus with regular people. These characters are desperate to separate themselves from everyone else and the war. Discuss the idea of separating one's self from the war. Which characters refuse to accept the reality of the situation? How do they separate themselves from the war and the other refugees? Are they successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of religion is subtle but used throughout the novel. Example of instances of allusion to religion can be found in the character of Philippe Pericand, who is a Catholic priest, Charlotte Pericand and her Christian "charity," Madame Craquant and praying for the dead in Nimes, and in the arrival of the Germans to the village of Bussy on Easter Sunday. Discuss the theme of religion and its importance in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters in the novel go through some kind of character development even if it is only momentarily or small. Hubert Pericand, though, seems to go through the most changes in the novel as he develops from a naive child to a reflective young man. What experiences lead to the change and growth of Hubert Pericand? How do these experiences affect his personality, beliefs, and ideals? Does his mother's opinion of him change throughout the novel? What types of things does Hubert begin to question when he learns of his brother Philippe's death when he returns to Nimes?

(see the answer keys)

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