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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. What helped to strengthen the bonds between Ourika and Mme de B. and Charles?

2. Charles often thought of _____ as being the same as existence.

3. What was the man's name?

4. Ourika wishes to be returned to Senegal because she felt it was better than this ____ society.

5. Mme de B. thought that some of the priest's ideas were ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the doctors say about Ourika's increased and prolonged melancholy? What did Charles and Mme. de B. do to help Ourika?

2. Ourika decided that she must resign herself to her fate. What was the next step taken by Ourika?

3. How did Mme. de B. influence Ourika's imagination and social development?

4. What was the only thing that allowed Ourika to be happy during this trying time?

5. How did Ourika's attitude change after Charles' marriage to Anais? What was Mme. de B.'s reaction?

6. What are some or Ourika's earliest childhood memories?

7. As a result of the Revolution, Mme. de B. and Ourika were forced to leave their home and go into protective custody. Explain the situation.

8. How did Ourika perform a disservice even though she was rescued twice?

9. Ourika had a selfish thought about her state of affairs and about Charles' return from his honeymoon. What was the thought?

10. Describe the change in the relationship between Charles at Ourika.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a complete character description of Mme. de B. Explain her roles in society both as a matriarch and as the patron of Ourika.

Essay Topic 2

Write a short story or essay on Ourika's life if she had married Charles. Do you think it was ever a possibility? Explain. Do you think that it could have been a scandal? What might Mme. de B. have thought about such a situation? How might Ourika's life have changed if she had not become melancholy? What might her life have been like in 5-10 years?

Essay Topic 3

The introduction discusses the non-publication of de Duras' books. "Ourika" was published in a limited private edition in 1823 with "Edouard" being published in a similar format two years later. Aside from Ourika, the first novel, and Edouard, one of de Duras' other books, there were three that were never published. Why? What do you think caused Ourika to refuse to publish the books, either publicly or privately? Do you think de Duras was intimidated by the men that were technically her equals or subordinates? Explain. Why do you think the books were never published posthumously? Do you think de Duras' books would have an audience today?

(see the answer keys)

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