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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. Who is the dressmaker being discussed by all the ladies?

2. Who is the owner of Au Bonheur des Dames?

3. For what event is Au Bonheur des Dames prepared at the beginning of Chapter 4?

4. For what department is Bouthemont the buyer?

5. What does Mouret say about Denise's termination?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are some of the women at Madame Desforges' tea and what is revealed about their shopping habits?

2. Explain the symbolism of the windows in Chapter 13.

3. What does the color white symbolize in Chapter 14?

4. What surprises Mouret about Denise's love for him?

5. Why does Bourdoncle think that Denise could be the demise of the store?

6. What is the imagery introduced in Chapter 2 regarding the big department store?

7. Why does Denise end up leaving the store when she could have anything she wanted?

8. Why is the summer season especially difficult for the store employees?

9. Describe some of the conflict going on in departments of the store.

10. What are some of Mouret's business practices that have made him successful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

AU BONHEUR DES DAMES takes place in Paris in the late 1800s. Explain what is going on in Paris at this time that makes Zola decide to write this story in this setting.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Mouret and Baudu. What are their roles within the retail industry in Paris? What are their core values? What are they willing (or not) to do in order to succeed?

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Denise, Mouret, Madame Desforges, and Baudu. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, and socialization.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 840 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample