Honoré de Balzac's 'Gobseck'

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Who is the author of 'Gobseck'?

Honoré de Balzac.

What is the central theme of 'Gobseck'?

The central theme is greed and its impact on individuals and society.

Who is the main character in 'Gobseck'?

The main character is Gobseck, a usurer.

In which collection is 'Gobseck' included?

'Gobseck' is part of Balzac's 'La Comédie Humaine'.

What role does money play in 'Gobseck'?

Money is seen as a powerful force that can control people and determine their fates.

How does Balzac portray the character of Gobseck?

Balzac portrays Gobseck as a cold and calculating usurer who is obsessed with money.

What is the relationship between Gobseck and Derville?

Derville is a lawyer who narrates the story of Gobseck.

What literary style is 'Gobseck' associated with?

Realism, depicting the social and economic realities of 19th-century France.

How does Gobseck’s character impact the lives of others in the story?

Gobseck’s financial dealings affect many lives, revealing the influence of wealth and power.

What does Gobseck symbolize in the novella?

Gobseck symbolizes the dangers and corruption associated with greed and materialism.

What is a key narrative technique used in 'Gobseck'?

Use of detailed characterization and moral analysis.

How does society view Gobseck in the novella?

Society views him with a mix of respect and fear due to his immense wealth and power.

What is the setting of 'Gobseck'?

It is set in Paris during the post-Napoleonic era.

What is a significant conflict in 'Gobseck'?

The conflict between human emotion and the cold logic of money and power.

What lesson can be learned from 'Gobseck'?

The pursuit of wealth alone can lead to isolation and a lack of meaningful relationships.





Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. Who is the author of 'Gobseck'?

Honoré de Balzac.

Victor Hugo.

Gustave Flaubert.

Émile Zola.

2. What is the central theme of 'Gobseck'?

The central theme is greed and its impact on individuals and society.

The triumph of love over adversity.

The search for identity.

The absurdity of human existence.

3. Who is the main character in 'Gobseck'?

Derville.

Vautrin.

Gobseck, a usurer.

Rastignac.

4. In which collection is 'Gobseck' included?

Les Misérables.

'Gobseck' is part of Balzac's 'La Comédie Humaine'.

The Human Comedy by Flaubert.

War and Peace.

5. What role does money play in 'Gobseck'?

Money is portrayed as irrelevant in the larger scheme of life.

It symbolizes freedom and joy.

Money is seen as a powerful force that can control people and determine their fates.

It is depicted as a tool for achieving political ends.

6. How does Balzac portray the character of Gobseck?

As a generous philanthropist.

Balzac portrays Gobseck as a cold and calculating usurer who is obsessed with money.

As a romantic poet.

As a reckless adventurer.

7. What is the relationship between Gobseck and Derville?

Derville is a lawyer who narrates the story of Gobseck.

Derville is Gobseck's rebellious son.

Derville is Gobseck's rival in business.

Derville is Gobseck's mentor.

8. What literary style is 'Gobseck' associated with?

Romanticism.

Realism, depicting the social and economic realities of 19th-century France.

Gothic fiction.

Stream of consciousness.

9. How does Gobseck’s character impact the lives of others in the story?

Gobseck’s financial dealings affect many lives, revealing the influence of wealth and power.

He inspires others by his creative talents.

He serves as a spiritual guide for lost souls.

He is largely ignored by other characters.

10. What does Gobseck symbolize in the novella?

Gobseck symbolizes the dangers and corruption associated with greed and materialism.

He represents the virtues of hard work and perseverance.

He stands for revolutionary ideals.

He embodies the human spirit and resilience.

11. What is a key narrative technique used in 'Gobseck'?

A first-person stream of consciousness.

Heavy use of allegory and symbolism.

Use of detailed characterization and moral analysis.

Non-linear narrative structure.

12. How does society view Gobseck in the novella?

Society views him with a mix of respect and fear due to his immense wealth and power.

As a celebrated hero.

With disdain and mockery.

As an irrelevant outsider.

13. What is the setting of 'Gobseck'?

Rural France during World War I.

It is set in Paris during the post-Napoleonic era.

Victorian-era London.

Ancient Rome.

14. What is a significant conflict in 'Gobseck'?

The clash between truth and illusion.

A struggle against supernatural forces.

The conflict between human emotion and the cold logic of money and power.

An epic battle for national independence.

15. What lesson can be learned from 'Gobseck'?

The pursuit of wealth alone can lead to isolation and a lack of meaningful relationships.

Love conquers all.

Hard work always guarantees success.

Freedom is an illusion.