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

Short Answer Questions

1. What information does Thérèse not believe from reading the letters?

2. What does Léonie ask her mother?

3. Who does Thérèse say she must go help?

4. What does Madeleine think the priest wants to have hushed up?

5. What scene does Léonie intuit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 15, we learn that the wood floors of the house are marked by the German soldiers' boots, and the original red tiles are permanently ruined, and Antoinette has had carpet put down to cover these marks. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. How are the floors symbolic of psychological scars and whose scars? Give details and examples.

2. There seems to be a general conspiracy to cover wounds of the past in this story. Who decides to figuratively pull the rugs out from under everyone's feet and reveal what is under them and why does she decide to do so?

3. Do you think it is healthy to "cover up" past scars so that one does not have to think about them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 16, Victorine and Thérèse are condescending about Léonie's attitudes and tastes, and Léonie feels what it is like to be discriminated against. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Discuss the theme of discrimination in the novel, giving specific examples of occurrences throughout the novel (possible areas: class, Nationality, and ethnic origins, as in Jews).

2. Discuss the theme of discrimination for one major group as it occurs in your culture (class, race, sexual orientation, religion, handicapped, etc).

3. Discuss how discrimination has occurred in your own life or that of someone you know well. Include how you feel about it, what you may do to help the person or yourself, and what might help eradicate the discrimination.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 6, Thérèse and Léonie have a meal together. Léonie takes special care in setting the table and choosing the menu. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Follow the thread of food and eating that occurs throughout the novel, giving examples of that theme and an interpretation of the examples you choose.

2. Food is essential to the continuation of life, and thus is often offered symbolically as well as concretely in many cultures. Compare and contrast the symbolism of food in several diverse cultures.

3. Discuss how food is treated in advertisements in the country in which you live, including billboard advertisements, magazines, t.v., and radio. What is the main purpose of the advertisements? Are they successful? Do they sway you?

(see the answer keys)

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