Test Your Knowledge of Works by Honoré de Balzac
Welcome to the enthralling journey through the literary world of Honoré de Balzac! This quiz, "Test Your Knowledge of Works by Honoré de Balzac," invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Balzac's novels and novellas, each a masterpiece that intricately weaves together the threads of 19th-century French society. Balzac, a visionary of realism in European literature, presents a vivid panorama of post-Napoleonic French life through his novel sequence.
From the passionate intrigues of "Cousin Bette" to the poignant struggles depicted in "Old Goriot," every work unfolds a captivating narrative that reflects the complexities of human nature. Discover the social Read moreclimbers, the romantic adventurers, and the individuals navigating the labyrinth of 19th-century French society. Whether you're a seasoned reader of French literature or a newcomer eager to discover the nuances of Balzac's works, this quiz promises to be an enjoyable exploration of his literary legacy. Are you ready to test your knowledge and immerse yourself in the world of one of the founding figures of European realism?
Honoré de Balzac's Works Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the novel sequence presenting a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life by Honoré de Balzac?
- A.
La Comédie Humaine
- B.
La Belle Époque
- C.
Les Misérables
- D.
Madame Bovary
Correct Answer
A. La Comédie HumaineExplanation
La Comédie Humaine is Balzac's novel sequence offering a detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French life, a significant contribution to European realism.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In which novel does the struggle for a higher social status during the Bourbon Restoration play a major role?
- A.
Eugénie Grandet
- B.
Old Goriot (Father Goriot)
- C.
Louis Lambert
- D.
Colonel Chabert
Correct Answer
B. Old Goriot (Father Goriot)Explanation
"Old Goriot" is the 1835 novel is set during the Bourbon Restoration, exploring the characters' struggles to secure a higher social status, a prominent theme in the book.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What does the French expression "Rastignac" refer to, inspired by one of Balzac's novels?
- A.
A type of dessert
- B.
A social climber
- C.
A military strategy
- D.
A philosophical concept
Correct Answer
B. A social climberExplanation
The French expression "Rastignac" refers to a social climber willing to use any means to improve their situation, inspired by Eugène de Rastignac in "Old Goriot."Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where does the novel "Louis Lambert" mainly take place?
- A.
Paris
- B.
Vendôme
- C.
Saumur
- D.
Bordeaux
Correct Answer
B. VendômeExplanation
"Louis Lambert" is mostly set in a school at Vendôme, offering a glimpse into the life and theories of a boy genius fascinated by a Swedish Philosopher.Rate this question:
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- 5.
To whom did Balzac dedicate the second edition of "Eugénie Grandet"?
- A.
Adeline Hulot
- B.
Valérie Marneffe
- C.
Maria Du Fresnay
- D.
Crevel
Correct Answer
C. Maria Du FresnayExplanation
Balzac dedicated the second edition of "Eugénie Grandet" to Maria Du Fresnay, his lover and the mother of his daughter, Marie-Caroline Du Fresnay.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the setting of the novel "Eugénie Grandet"?
- A.
Paris
- B.
Vendôme
- C.
Saumur
- D.
Bordeaux
Correct Answer
C. SaumurExplanation
"Eugénie Grandet" is set in the town of Saumur, forming part of Balzac's ambitious project, La Comédie Humaine, and exploring provincial life in the Comédie.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who is the mysterious criminal-in-hiding in "Old Goriot"?
- A.
Vautrin
- B.
Eugène de Rastignac
- C.
Louis Lambert
- D.
Colonel Chabert
Correct Answer
A. VautrinExplanation
Vautrin is the mysterious criminal-in-hiding in "Old Goriot," contributing to the intertwined lives of the elderly Goriot and law student Eugène de Rastignac.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What happens to Colonel Chabert after being severely wounded in the Battle of Eylau in the novella "Colonel Chabert"?
- A.
He becomes a recluse.
- B.
He is declared dead.
- C.
He inherits a fortune.
- D.
He returns to active duty.
Correct Answer
B. He is declared dead.Explanation
After being severely wounded in the Battle of Eylau, Colonel Chabert is declared dead, leading to a series of events as he seeks to reclaim his name and assets. After recovering and returning to Paris, Colonel Chabert seeks revenge on his widow, who has remarried and liquidated all of Chabert's belongings, leading to a legal battle for his name and money.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which novel by Balzac tells the story of an unmarried middle-aged woman plotting the destruction of her extended family?
- A.
Louis Lambert
- B.
Eugénie Grandet
- C.
Cousin Bette
- D.
Colonel Chabert
Correct Answer
C. Cousin BetteExplanation
"Cousin Bette" unfolds the tale of an unmarried middle-aged woman, Bette, plotting the destruction of her extended family in mid-19th-century Paris, collaborating with Valérie Marneffe to seduce and torment various men.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which philosophical concept fascinates the boy genius in the novel "Louis Lambert"?
- A.
Existentialism
- B.
Utilitarianism
- C.
Romanticism
- D.
Swedenborgianism
Correct Answer
D. SwedenborgianismExplanation
In "Louis Lambert," the boy genius is fascinated by Swedenborgianism, the philosophical and theological thought of Emanuel Swedenborg, which plays a significant role in the novel's exploration of life and theories.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Dec 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 19, 2023Quiz Created by
Kriti Bisht
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