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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 does Papillon utilize to make the raft float?

2. What precious stones do the prisoners find?

3. What challenge does Papillon and his new cohorts face when they begin their journey?

4. To what island does Papillon get transferred?

5. What is the condition on which Papillon is to be set free?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Papillon initiate a new escape plan and who does he enlist to help him?

2. What are the terms of Papillon's being set free?

3. How does Carbonieri die and what rule of survival does Papillon say that Carbonieri failed to uphold?

4. What does Papillon call the "extraordinary" change in his character?

5. For what reason is Papillon sentenced to eight years in solitary confinement?

6. What happens to the three prisoners who come to Papillon with the plan for a revolt at Royale prison?

7. What are Papillon's plans for surviving the eight-year stint of solitary confinement?

8. How much of his eight-year sentence does Papillon end up serving?

9. What reasons can Papillon give for Sylvain's demise and what selfish thought does Papillon harbor then?

10. What is a "Lisette" and who agrees to accompany Papillon on his next escape attempt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Hatred takes on an almost human persona in second part of the book. What was the source of the hatred? Why was the hatred pervasive? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

PAPILLON is a classic loss-and-renewal story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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