View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of business did Florent's mother have?

2. Where does Madame Francois live?

3. Which charcuterie does Florent visit?

4. Who owns the charcuterie that Florent visits?

5. Why is Gavard glad that Florent has his new job?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where is Uncle Gradelle's money found and what do Lisa and Quenu do with it?

3. Who is the protagonist of THE BELLY OF PARIS and what is his situation that sets up the novel?

4. Who is the only character that defies the Fat vs. Thin categorization?

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

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

7. What new things does Florent see in Paris when he returns?

8. How is the narrative circular in THE BELLY OF PARIS?

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

10. What happens after Florent mysteriously disappears?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE BELLY OF PARIS takes place in Paris in the mid-1800s. Explain what is going on in Paris at this time that made Zola decide to write this story in this setting.

Essay Topic 2

THE BELLY OF PARIS is a classic rebellion against society story. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Quenu. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,020 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample