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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 witnesses Paul's violent outburst in the kitchen?

2. When does Serge announce there will be a press conference in Chapter 38?

3. What is Paul initially worried about when he starts his treatment for his disorder?

4. Serge and Babetter visit Michel at home on the eve of an important event for Clair; what is that event?

5. How old is Michel when Paul speaks to the principal in Chapter 30?

Short Essay Questions

1. What justificaton is given for the boys' actions in Chapter 21?

2. How does Paul describe the relationship between Michel and Rick in Chapter 26?

3. How is Beau's behavior compared with that of Michel and Rick in the scenario presented in Chapter 21?

4. What has Paul prepared for dinner when Serge and Babette visit while Claire is in the hospital? Why?

5. What does Paul consider about children when speaking with the psychologist in Chapter 31?

6. How does Michel react to the scene at the bicycle shop?

7. What happens with Paul and the owner of the bike shop?

8. What does Paul suggest Michel do about the cell phone in Chapter 26?

9. What advice does Paul give to Michel in Chapter 23? Why?

10. Why does Serge and Babette come to Paul's home when Claire is in the hospital? How does Paul respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the plot structure of The Dinner. Where in the narrative does the rising action begin? What is the catalytic event that drives the plot of the story? Where is the novel's climax? What is revealed in the falling action and denouement?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Paul's history of violence that is revealed through the course of the narrative. When did Paul begin exhibiting violent behavior? What is revealed to be the root of Paul's violence? What is the significance of Paul's violence to the novel's plot?

Essay Topic 3

Who is ultimately responsible for the homeless woman's death? What does the novel attempt to communicate about society's responsibility towards its most vulnerable populations? What is the role of the privileged classes?

(see the answer keys)

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