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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does each supervisor or mine director get out of dealing with the miners?

2. What does Etienne ask Catherine?

3. What is hiding like for Etienne?

4. What is one of the mines left working after the strike has spread?

5. Why do the miners sign up with the union?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The triumphs of collectivism are short lived and their assurance follows the path of their deteriorating conditions of living.

1. Why and how do you think the triumphant collectivism of the miners being focused together deteriorated?

2. How do you think the focused collectivism of an organized body, such as an army, can remain stable as opposed to the miners?

3. Do you think organization and strong leadership are always necessary in order for a group to work together?

Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In the first chapter, everything is set in the dark of night; the only lighting is provided either by the moonlight or by the fire burning inside the chunks of coal.

1. Why do you think GERMINAL starts at night?

2. How does the dark relate to the book's themes?

3. Did you see any foreshadowing from the darkness in the beginning of the book? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The weight of long-established traditions appears again when Chaval asserts his dominance over Catherine.

1. What do you think is the status of women at this time and place?

2. Do women seem to have more, less or about the same power as men?

3. Why do you think Chaval felt he owned Catherine after raping her?

Use examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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