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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 is Bongrand's lament about art dealers?

2. Why does Christine pack up everything to return to Paris?

3. What do Claude's friends in Paris think is the ideal life for an artist?

4. Why has the herbalist's shop seen better days?

5. What are the needs of Jory that Mathilde fulfills so easily?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it that frightens Christine about Claude?

2. Why does Christine turn to Sandoz to help pull Claude out of one of his depressions?

3. Explain how Claude turns on Christine as the reason his grand painting is not coming together for him.

4. Describe the attraction Jory has developed for Mathilde.

5. How does the foreshadowed tragedy come to pass?

6. How is the decision made to return to Paris?

7. What is the pathos of Claude's funeral?

8. Describe how Claude further distances himself from Christine and Jacques.

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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critique of the novel. Discuss Zola's style and use of language, giving specific examples. Include the autobiographical nature of Sandoz as Zola himself. Express how you feel about the suspense of the novel and whether it makes you not want to put it down. Conclude with your recommendation for others to read THE MASTERPIECE.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of contradictory moral values during the 19th century. Use Henriette and Christine versus Irma and Mathilde to point out these contradictions. Be sure to include how Christine manages to maintain her moral character even though she lives many years with Claude before they are married. Also include how Irma is tolerated in polite society whereas Christine is the subject of gossip and condemnation.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of Jacques as Possibly Autistic. Re-read the passage in the middle of Chapter 8 where Jacques keeps repeating "nice cat, naughty cat." Discuss his behavior as possibly being that of an autistic child. Include in the essay both Claude's and Christine's reactions to the scene as people who do not know how to deal with such a child. Conclude with Jacques's reaction to Claude's outburst. Autism was not a recognizable disability in the 19th century, so is this possibly Zola's observation of such behavior without giving it a name?

(see the answer keys)

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