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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. What does the priest now think is the source of his pain?

2. With whom does the priest meet to arrange Mme la Comtesse's funeral?

3. Why does the Cure de Torcy scold the priest regarding Mme la Comtesse?

4. Why does the priest think most people are unhappy?

5. Why does Mlle Louise come to the priest in a disheveled state?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does the doctor give the priest?

2. The book ends not with a diary entry but a letter. Explain the originator of the letter and its contents.

3. Where does the priest go after his doctor's appointment in Lille?

4. What does the priest note about his illness in Chapter 6?

5. Explain the tragic irony of the events following the priest's visit with Mme la Comtesse.

6. Why was the priest uncomfortable in the presence of the doctor?

7. In addition to Mlle Chantal's behavior, what else has impacted Mme la Comtesse's life?

8. Why does Mlle Louise come to see the priest and what does he advise her?

9. What is the Cure de Torcy's simplistic advice for the young priest who feels he is suffering a crisis of faith and vocation?

10. How does the young priest suffer a crisis of confidence in himself and in his work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Another important theme in the book is injustice. Who are the characters who are most affected by injustice in life? How do these characters manage their lives? Do any of the characters rise above their situations or do they stay mired in the inequities of life?

Essay Topic 2

The priest puts the needs of others ahead of his own even though he is very sick. Explain the nature of selfless love such as this. How does the priest exhibit it throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of pride and arrogance in the young priest's life? Does he feel he is elevated in the eyes of the parishioners? In his own eyes? Why does he look down upon Louis Duprety who leaves the priesthood?

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