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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When was the beginnings of the Bohemian lifestyle of Claude and Pierre?
(a) after they were rejected by the École des Beaux-Arts.
(b) after they met Delacroix.
(c) when they moved to Paris.
(d) during their school days.

2. Why does Christine pack up everything to return to Paris?
(a) to save Claude and save her marriage.
(b) to put Jacques in a good school.
(c) to get herself a job to support Claude.
(d) to live in a warm apartment during the winter.

3. What strange commission does Claude get from Malgras?
(a) a still life painting of a lobster
(b) a small painting of Christine.
(c) a still life painting of books.
(d) a painting of ducks.

4. What works are shown in the Salon des Refusés?
(a) those eligible for special prizes.
(b) those too good to go in the regular Salon.
(c) those from unknown artists.
(d) those refused for the regular Salon showing.

5. Who is Jory looking for when he bumps into Claude?
(a) Mathilde.
(b) Chaîne.
(c) Irma.
(d) Bongrand.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Zola paint Claude Lantier's angst?

2. Where does Claude want to exhibit his painting?

3. Who does Jory insist that Claude go with him to see?

4. While Pierre and Dubuche are in the studio, what does Claude almost do?

5. Realizing the people are laughing at his painting, what is Claude's reaction?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the reader understand that Claude earns a subsistence?

2. Describe the difference between Sandoz and Jory as writers.

3. How does Claude attempt to make Christine happy once again?

4. In what way do some of Claude's friends add to his personal insecurity?

5. How does the atmosphere of the country begin to change for Claude and Christine?

6. Why is Claude told not to bring Christine to the Thursday night gatherings?

7. How is Sandoz, the one character besides Claude who remains steadfast to the revolt against romanticism, able to remain steadfast to their revolutionary ideas?

8. Describe the mood at the beginning of the novel.

9. What indicates that Claude would be perfectly happy just to see Christine from time to time rather than have her move in with him?

10. How does Zola show the domestic side of Christine?

(see the answer keys)

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