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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. In what year does the story begin?

2. How many other escaped convicts does Trinidad have who have no way to leave the island?

3. The bagne is located on which river?

4. Who is the man Papillon is accused of murdering?

5. What is Papillon forbidden to talk about on Royale?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the warden's terms to which Papillon agrees after his release from solitary confinement?

2. What does Papillon do during an escape attempt from Barranquilla that prevents the escape?

3. What weapon has Papillon been able to secure?

4. What is the Ile Aux Pigeons and what benefit comes of visiting there?

5. What misfortune befalls Papillon after he leaves the three convicts out on a beach a little ways from Trinidad?

6. How does Clousiot show some humor regarding how he left his cell?

7. What does Papillon receive on the first anniversary of his solitary confinement and what happens to the man who smuggles it in to him?

8. What does Papillon learn about prison sentences for men in Colombia?

9. What do Papillon and Maturette learn about staying in Trinidad?

10. Where is Papillon when the story begins and why does he think he is in his current situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting and time period for Charriere's life. What was France and French Guiana like during this time period? How important are the time period and setting to the attitudes and issues of Charriere?

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for Papillon's life. Be sure to incorporate geographical, personal, political and cultural impacts.

Essay Topic 3

What was the symbolism of the butterfly tattoo on Papillon's chest? What did it represent to Papillon? Why did Papillon choose a butterfly instead of some other image? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 946 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample