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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who declares at dinner the first day in Totes that the Prussians behaved liked "ancient barbarians"?
(a) Madame Carre-Lamadon.
(b) Loiseau.
(c) Comte de Breville.
(d) Boule de Suif.

2. When the coach lights the lantern, what hovers over the sweating flanks of the horses and roadside?
(a) A shadow of moonlight.
(b) A cloud of vapor.
(c) A dense fog.
(d) A light mist.

3. Why are the coach passengers frightened when they first arrive in Totes?
(a) They hear the clanging of a scabbard and a voice call out in French.
(b) They hear the ringing of a bell and a voice call out in German.
(c) They hear the clanging of a scabbard and a voice call out in German.
(d) They hear the ringing of a bell and a voice call out in French.

4. During their first supper in Totes, who states "War is a barbarous proceeding when we attack a peaceful neighbor, but it is a sacred duty when undertaken in defense of one' country."
(a) Boule de Suif.
(b) The Puny Nun.
(c) Monsieur Follenvie.
(d) Cornudet.

5. At three o'clock, what does Boule de Suif remove from an enormous dish in the story?
(a) Two hams.
(b) Two chickens.
(c) One duck.
(d) A half of turkey.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do boat-men and fishermen often haul to the surface in "Boule de Suif"?

2. What is the coach floor covered with as the passengers take their seats?

3. What is NOT one of the reasons the coach passengers discuss in the kitchen after the meeting with the Prussian officer the first day in Totes?

4. According to the coach driver, who gave him command the morning of the first day in Totes?

5. According to the narrator, who feels affection for the "pomp and circumstance of despotic government"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Maupassant's attitude toward the old nun as the countess tries to manipulate Boule de Suif in sleeping with the Prussian officer?

2. At the end of "Boule de Suif," what is Boule de Suif doing?

3. How do the other passengers respond to Boule de Suif the morning of their departure from Totes, and how is it significant?

4. How does Monsieur Follenvie respond to the travelers inquiries about the Prussian officer and why is it significant?

5. What happens once the Prussians arrive in Rouen and why is it significant?

6. Why does Loiseau take off his watch chain in the kitchen as the coach passengers discuss the Prussian officer's motives, and how is it significant?

7. What do the passengers begin to call Boule de Suif in order to persuade her to sleep with the Prussian officer?

8. What does Boule de Suif remember in the coach as the passengers eat their lunch without sharing it with her at the end of "Boule de Suif" and why is it significant?

9. In watching the Prussian officers carrying out their duties, who prefers to stay at the inn because they are indignant at their friendly interaction and why?

10. How does the count try to persuade Boule de Suif to sleep with the Prussian, and why is it significant?

(see the answer keys)

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