View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What ironic switch in attitude occurs when Christine finally agrees to go in public with Claude?

2. Who now has a mansion near Claude's and Christine's cottage?

3. How long does Christine stay away after her first return visit to Claude's studio?

4. Because it is Thursday, what event will take place in the evening?

5. When is the laughter the loudest?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Claude's behavior after a party at Sandoz's house that alarms Christine?

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

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

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

6. How have things changed for Fagerolles?

7. Describe Claude's behavior after the Salon.

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

9. How does Zola show that the young woman is a proper young lady and not a trollop as Claude suspects?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of Art and Art Dealers. The essay topics should include (1) Naudet who could tell which artists could make him money but had no idea about which artist could become a great painter; (2) Bongrand's accusation that art had been reduced to francs, and (3) Malgras who recognized good art but resorted to cheating the artists.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of The Tragedy of Dubuche. The main points of the essay are (1) why Dubuche was successful at the studio of Duquersonnière, (2) why he failed after joining with Margaillan, and (3) what he was reduced to after failing as an architect.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 908 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample