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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Tarrou respond to his father's court performance?
(a) He thought the accused deserved his fate.
(b) He was very proud of his father.
(c) He was embarrassed.
(d) He had compassion for the accused.

2. With what does Dr. Rieux treat this patient?
(a) Mustard plasters and cupping.
(b) Dr. Castel's serum.
(c) An ancient garlic compound.
(d) Penicillin.

3. How are people coping as the plague continues?
(a) They become indifferent to what is happening to them.
(b) They are in despair and suicides are frequent.
(c) They are full of fear and drink to excess.
(d) They become very religious and attend Mass evry day.

4. Which character cannot be saved by the serum?
(a) Mme. Rieux.
(b) M. Grand.
(c) M. Cottard.
(d) M. Othon.

5. What is Cottard's reaction to the officials?
(a) He asks them to join him for dinner.
(b) He offers them cigarettes.
(c) He flees.
(d) He tells them he has plague.

6. What does Dr. Rieux fear?
(a) That corpses will be piled in the streets.
(b) That rats will eat the corpses.
(c) That he will himself catch the plague.
(d) That the church will make a lot of money from the burials.

7. What does Tarrou reveal to Rambert about Rieux?
(a) That he has been unfaithful and his wife has left him.
(b) That he is profiteering from the plague.
(c) That his wife is in a sanatorium in another city.
(d) That his wife is being unfaithful and has left.

8. What does the Prefect order?
(a) The street lighting is to be turned on again.
(b) A week of prayer.
(c) That food stores should open on Sundays.
(d) A bonfire and fireworks night.

9. What is Rieux's reaction to Rambert's plans?
(a) He threeatens he will tell the authorities.
(b) He is encouraging.
(c) He has mixed emotions.
(d) He advises against the plans.

10. What is the choice Fr Paneloux talks about in his sermon?
(a) Choice between a secular and a religious life.
(b) Treating the plague or letting it run its course in patients.
(c) Losing faith or sacrificing oneself for it.
(d) Trusting God or trusting in yourself and Science.

11. What does Rambert anticipate happening when he meets his wife again?
(a) Things will be over between them.
(b) She will worry that he has lost weight.
(c) He has changed, so will reject her.
(d) Instant happiness.

12. How does Rieux encourage Tarrou?
(a) He tells him he must live if he is to be a saint.
(b) He tells him his illness is improving.
(c) He tells him he has been nominated for a Papal knighthood.
(d) He tells him he is the best friend he could ever hope to have.

13. In what activity has Cottard become involved?
(a) Writing a novel.
(b) Running guns to Mardeilles.
(c) Smuggling. (Profiteering from the plague.)
(d) Volunteering to assist in the fight against the plague.

14. Why does Tarrou go home with Cottard?
(a) Cottard insists.
(b) He is invited for dinner.
(c) Cottard has a present for him.
(d) Cottard is unwell.

15. Who receives an invitation to the sermon?
(a) Dr. Castel.
(b) M. Cottard.
(c) The Prefect.
(d) Dr. Rieux.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which trio of men develop a close friendship?

2. What becomes the last resort for disposal of corpses?

3. What important Christian feast is ignored this year?

4. Which other character does Tarrou discuss in this part of his journal?

5. How does Rieux break with policy?

(see the answer keys)

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