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Nana by Émile Zola
Contributed by: Barr
  • 1. Nana by Émile Zola, first published in 1880 as part of his monumental Les Rougon-Macquart series, is a provocative and vivid portrayal of the Parisian society of the late 19th century, centering around the life of a young woman named Nana who rises from impoverished beginnings to become a celebrated and notorious actress and courtesan. Through Nana's character, Zola explores themes of decadence, sensuality, and the complexities of femininity in a male-dominated society, revealing the exploitation and hypocrisy that underpin the glamorous facade of Parisian life. The novel delves into the moral decay of the bourgeoisie, showcasing how wealth and status are often accompanied by corruption and depravity. Zola's naturalistic style vividly depicts Nana's physical allure and emotional manipulations, as she captivates wealthy men and ultimately brings about ruin to their lives. The story serves as both a critique of societal norms and an illustration of the struggle for power and agency in a world where love and lust are closely intertwined with social standing and economic desperation.

    What is the main profession of the protagonist, Nana?
A) Writer
B) Actress
C) Shopkeeper
D) Singer
  • 2. In which city does Nana primarily rise to fame?
A) Berlin
B) Paris
C) New York
D) London
  • 3. What does Nana ultimately become in the story?
A) A politician
B) A courtesan
C) A queen
D) A teacher
  • 4. What is the primary setting of the novel?
A) London during the Victorian era
B) Paris during the Second Empire
C) New York during the Gilded Age
D) Berlin during the Weimar Republic
  • 5. What is Nana's attitude towards men?
A) Submissive
B) Manipulative
C) Caring
D) Indifferent
  • 6. Who is the author of 'Nana'?
A) Marcel Proust
B) Gustave Flaubert
C) Honoré de Balzac
D) Émile Zola
  • 7. What does the character of Nana symbolize in the novel?
A) Hope and progress
B) Purity and virtue
C) Tradition and stability
D) The decadence of society
  • 8. In 'Nana', who does she have an affair with that becomes significant?
A) Monsieur de Nanterre
B) Count Muffat
C) Bordelais
D) Gaston de Nanterre
  • 9. What literary movement is 'Nana' associated with?
A) Realism
B) Naturalism
C) Modernism
D) Romanticism
  • 10. What does Nana’s character critique about society?
A) Tradition
B) Charity
C) Hypocrisy
D) Loyalty
  • 11. Nana is part of which series of novels by Zola?
A) Les Miserables
B) Les Rougon-Macquart
C) Les Buddenbrooks
D) Les Trois Mousquetaires
  • 12. What is one of Nana's most notable features?
A) Her wealth
B) Her intelligence
C) Her beauty
D) Her kindness
  • 13. In what year was 'Nana' first published?
A) 1880
B) 1875
C) 1890
D) 1885
  • 14. Who is Nana's child?
A) Louis
B) Victor
C) Paul
D) Henri
  • 15. What does the character of Nana symbolize in relation to women?
A) Empowerment and exploitation
B) Tradition and honor
C) Leadership and control
D) Submission and obedience
  • 16. How is Nana often viewed by the other women in her society?
A) With admiration
B) With jealousy
C) With indifference
D) With empathy
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