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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. To what does Dr. Rieux confess?

2. What makes Tarrou and Rieux very conscious of their isolation?

3. How is Rambert's wife arriving?

4. How does Rieux find out about his wife's condition?

5. Who is now an important plague victim?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are local printing firms and newspapers able to profit by people's fear of the plague?

2. Why is there a steady supply of workers taking care of burials?

3. How is it possible for Cottard to help Rambert?

4. Explain the poignancy of Dr. Rieux's walk through the streets.

5. How can we tell that Tarrou is a force for good in the town?

6. Comment on the change in M. Othon.

7. Why cannot jubilation be complete at this point (Part 5 Chapter 1)?

8. Explain the nature of the irony in the beginning of Part 5 Chapter 3.

9. In Part 4 Chapter 3, what is the situation regarding the plague serum?

10. What is unusual about Tarrou's illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Plague includes conflict between certain ideologies and world views. For example, between those who do not believe in Christianity (like Dr. Rieux) and those who do. There is also action that represents the conflict between the interests of the individual and those of society. Select an area of ideological conflict that interests you and discuss the way this is represented in The Plague. Is the conflict resolved?

Essay Topic 2

Some people are of the opinion that the twentieth century produced no greater novel than The Plague. Why do you think people have said this? In your answer, deal with themes and characters.

Essay Topic 3

In your own words, describe the setting of the city of Oran. Do you think this setting is an appropriate one for Camus' novel? Why or why not?

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This section contains 872 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample