Requirements:

– Must have already read both “The Fall” and “The Vicar of Tours”

– Must use quotes from books and indicated pages from each question

Part 1: The Vicar of Tours:

1. How did the feud between Abbey Birotteau and Mademoiselle Gamard affect the family of Madame de Listomere, a protector of Birotteau, namely her nephew, the young Baron de Listomere and the uncle as related by the latter. (Read 86-89)

2. How does Balzac “moralize” about that 19th century society, especially as a result of influential characters such as Troubert. (Read 106-107)

Part 2: The Fall

1. Explain Jean-Baptiste Clamence (JBC)’s new “mindset” in the aftermath of the “motorcycle incident”. What does he mean when he says that he discovered within himself “sweet dreams of oppression” (Read 54-56)

2. What do you think of JBC’s “love speech”? (Read 60-62)

3. Why does JBC seek to “elude judgment” by others? Why would he prefer “punishment” if necessary? (Read 76-77)

4. Why are JBC’s younger colleagues upset when he explains to them that he pleaded in court in favor of a “murderer by jealousy? What is their final attitude towards it? What do you think about it? (Read 94-95)