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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. Florent thinks that Quenu's new life is _____________.

2. What is the setting for THE BELLY OF PARIS?

3. Whose fish stand does Florent shut down?

4. Who does Florent run into while walking the streets of Paris?

5. What does Madame Francois do to help Francois?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the circumstances in which Florent assumes care of Quenu?

2. Who is Monsieur Gavard and what impact does he have on the lives of Florent and Quenu?

3. What is the setting of THE BELLY OF PARIS?

4. What do the women find in Gavard's rooms and what do they do with it?

5. How does Zola use foreshadowing in Florent's tutoring work with Muche?

6. How does Zola show his criticism of middle-class sensibilities in the episode where Muche leads Pauline astray?

7. Who lures Pauline away from the charcuterie and what does he promise her?

8. Who is the only woman who is kind to Florent at the fish market?

9. What happens after Florent mysteriously disappears?

10. How can Marjolin and Cadine be compared to Lisa and Quenu?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gossip takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this technique.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book THE BELLY OF PARIS? Cite an example to support your answer. Can you suggest another title which you think is more appropriate for the book?

Essay Topic 3

Zola uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see Les Halles from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe the Les Halles district. How do you visualize Les Halles and Paris in general now that you have read Zola's THE BELLY OF PARIS?

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This section contains 1,042 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample