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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. Why does Claude take the young woman to his studio?

2. What is Chaîne working on while the others visit in Mahoudeau's studio?

3. Because it is Thursday, what event will take place in the evening?

4. What famous artist joins the group at Pierre's house?

5. Where does Claude find Ganière after the dinner at Pierre's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the friendship between Claude, Sandoz, and Dubuche.

2. How does Zola show the domestic side of Christine?

3. Describe how Claude begins to change his attitude toward living in the country.

4. When Claude finally locates his painting, how does he once again feel rejected?

5. How does the atmosphere of the country begin to change for Claude and Christine?

6. Describe Claude's behavior after the Salon.

7. What is the showdown between Christine and the nude woman in Claude's painting?

8. How is history repeated with Claude and his huge canvas?

9. How is the neglect of Jacques symbolized?

10. Discuss the Salon des Refusés.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of art in the grotesque. Discuss how the painting of the Dead Child is, in fact, a serious work of art. How does this address the idea that the purpose of art is not limited to being pretty. How should a person look at a work like the Dead Child? Why would Claude, the artist, not understand how such a painting could be ignored and dismissed?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic of the move toward realism in the modern novel. Using Sandoz as the fictional representation of Zola himself, point out the specifics in THE MASTERPIECE that started the move toward more honesty and openness in novels during the late 19th century. Include reasons that living artists of the day objected to THE MASTERPIECE.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the topic, The Past Cannot Be Recaptured. Using the things Claude and Sandoz see in the country, the essay should explain Zola's statement, "The past was but the cemetery of our illusions: one simply stubbed one's toes on the gravestones."

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This section contains 894 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample