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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. Why do the Marquise and her children move in with her parents?

2. What country does the Marquise live in?

3. What does the Count tell the family about during dinner?

4. What happens to the Marquise's family home during the attack?

5. What is the Marquise's given name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Marquise's father react when he hears that the Marquise is with child?

2. What kind of life does the Marquise decide to lead after she leaves the family home?

3. What is surprising about the Count's visit?

4. What does the Marquise refuse to do before leaving the house?

5. What does the Count tell the family, which surprises them?

6. What happens while the family are trying to think of a way to show their gratitude to the Count?

7. During dinner with the Marquise and her family, what does the Count tell them about?

8. How is the Marquise described?

9. What is the Marquise doing at the beginning of the story?

10. What happens soon after the family hears of the Count's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship between Jerónimo and Josefa. What background information does the reader learn about in regards to their relationship? Why are they punished? How do they overcome their separation? In what way does their relationship lead to their downfall?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the portrayal of men and women in the short story "The Marquise of O". How does von Kleist portray men? How does he portray women? Why might he have portrayed them in such a different light? What might he be trying to convey to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the elements of mystery which von Kleist employs throughout the short story "The Marquise of O". What techniques does von Kleist use to create a sense of mystery and intrigue? What plot points are surrounded with mystery? Does the reader learn the truth in the end?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 760 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample