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. Why does Laurent want to hurt the cat on his wedding night?

2. How does the cat scare Laurent and Thérèse on their wedding night?

3. Why does Laurent finally resolve to marry Thérèse?

4. How does Thérèse first respond when Laurent says he wants to rent a studio?

5. In "Chapter XXIII", why does kissing cause pain for Laurent and Thérèse?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Laurent end up officially engaged to Thérèse?

2. How does Madame Raquin feel about the care Thérèse and Laurent give her when she is ill?

3. How does Laurent feel about murdering Camille in "Chapter XXII"?

4. Why does Thérèse kiss Madame Raquin in "Chapter XXIX"?

5. Why does Thérèse compare Camille to Laurent in "Chapter XXX"?

6. What does Madame Raquin do after reading the letter from Laurent's father about his engagement?

7. Why does Thérèse argue against Laurent renting a studio at first?

8. How does Laurent realize Madame Raquin knows he and Thérèse killed Camille?

9. How do Laurent and Thérèse react to Madame Raquin's stroke?

10. What does Laurent begin dreaming about after Camille's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine how this novel explores what qualities make a good man. Does the author have a firm description? What traits are valued? What traits are not valued?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the role of men in Thérèse's life. Include her marriages as well as friendships and family.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the use of funeral/death/tomb imagery in this novel. What function does it serve?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 755 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample