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

Short Answer Questions

1. What item of clothing has Denise come to help Madame Desforges with?

2. What goal has Mouret met at the beginning of Chapter 12?

3. Which of the following does Denise NOT achieve in the new department?

4. To whom does Baudu sell his country house?

5. What is the source of Genevieve's physical decline?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a lot of symbolism in this story regarding the expansion of Au Bonheur des Dames. What does the growth of the store symbolize for those who work there? For the neighborhood shop owners? For the retail industry in general? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 3

Zola is quoted as saying, "I am little concerned with beauty or perfection. I don't care for the great centuries. All I care about is life, struggle, intensity. I am at ease in my generation," (My Hates, 1866.) How is this philosophy apparent in AU BONHEUR DES DAMES?

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