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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. Where does Gabriel Corte end up sleeping after he refuses his hotel room?

2. Which material possessions does Charlotte Pericand forget after fleeing the burning village?

3. How does Charles Langelet feel about the young couple that he meets?

4. What is Arlette Corail concerned that it will be difficult to obtain?

5. Who does Jeanne Michaud often thinks she sees on her way to Tours?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the atmosphere of Paris and among its citizens in Chapters 5 and 6?

2. Describe the scene in the town where Gabriel Corte has refused a room.

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

4. What happens between Charles Langelet and the young couple he meets on the road?

5. Describe the character of Gabriel Corte.

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

7. Describe the Pericand's charity in Chapter 10 and why it comes to an abrupt stop.

8. Describe the character of Arlette Corail.

9. What is the feeling of the townspeople when the Germans finally arrive in the town where Arlette Corail is staying?

10. Describe the character of Charles Langelet.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, we see the development of the characters, and lack thereof, through their experiences and situations. Discuss how the war is the catalyst of change for the individual characters in the novel. How do the experiences of the characters and the situations in which the war finds them in bring out the true nature of the characters? Provide examples with the development of at least three characters.

Essay Topic 2

Traumatic or challenging experiences often change a person and cause them to grow. However, that's not the case with everyone in this novel who has to go through the evacuation, war, and occupation. Pick a character that does not seem changed or affected by the challenging experiences that they are put through. Identify the character and describe their experiences. Why didn't this character experience any growth or change at all? Was this character not in need of a change? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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