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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. Who is La Belle Normande's mother?

2. What is Madame Francois' sole responsibility?

3. Where is Uncle Gradelle's fortune found?

4. Where does Madame Francois live?

5. In what century is THE BELLY OF PARIS set?

Short Essay Questions

1. What temporary job does Florent accept and how does he feel about working again?

2. How do Florent and Quenu's lives change when they reconnect with their Uncle Gradelle?

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

4. What lessons must Florent learn in this "new" Paris?

5. What does La Belle Lisa do with the photograph she finds?

6. How did Florent's naivete lead to his downfall?

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

8. Why does Florent decide he must become involved in changes in Paris and with whom does he meet to discuss a possible insurrection?

9. What is Florent's main challenge is adjusting to Parisian life?

10. What is the impact of Marjolin's advances on La Belle Lisa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Florent and Quenu. What are their roles within the market society in Paris? What are their core values? What are they willing to do in order to succeed?

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

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 1,230 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample