- 1. Papillon, written by Henri Charrière and first published in 1969, is an autobiographical novel that chronicles the author's daring escape from the notorious French penal colony of Devil's Island, where he was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. The title, which means 'butterfly' in French, symbolizes Charrière's longing for freedom and his indomitable spirit. Throughout the narrative, Charrière recounts his life experiences, his adventures and misadventures in prison, and his relentless pursuit of liberty, marked by tenacious escapes and encounters with various characters. Set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the penal system, the story highlights not only the brutality of incarceration but also the resilience of the human spirit. Charrière's vivid storytelling brings to life the desolation of the islands, the camaraderie forged among prisoners, and the intricate schemes devised to evade captors. As he journeys from imprisonment in the isolated, oppressive settings of French Guiana to the lush lands of South America, Charrière's odyssey embodies themes of hope, ingenuity, and survival against insurmountable odds. Papillon has captivated readers worldwide, inspiring numerous adaptations and securing its place as a classic of adventure literature.
What is the primary setting of 'Papillon'?
A) Vietnam
B) Algeria
C) Haiti
D) French Guiana
- 2. What nickname does Charrière use throughout the book?
A) Eagle
B) Papillon
C) Tiger
D) Falcon
- 3. Which prison is famously depicted in 'Papillon'?
A) San Quentin
B) Alcatraz
C) Sing Sing
D) Devil's Island
- 4. What is Papillon's main goal in the book?
A) Redemption
B) Revenge
C) Escape
D) Wealth
- 5. What does the name 'Papillon' mean in French?
A) Bird
B) Fish
C) Butterfly
D) Flower
- 6. What year was Papillon first published?
A) 1975
B) 1965
C) 1980
D) 1969
- 7. Which of these themes is prominent in 'Papillon'?
A) Freedom
B) Love
C) Greed
D) Loyalty
- 8. Who authored the book 'Papillon'?
A) Albert Camus
B) Marcel Proust
C) Victor Hugo
D) Henri Charrière
- 9. What does Papillon's continual escape attempts symbolize?
A) The human spirit
B) Defeatism
C) Wealth accumulation
D) Social status
- 10. What type of narrative is 'Papillon' considered?
A) Fiction
B) Poetry
C) Autobiography
D) Drama
- 11. Who is the main antagonist in Charrière's story?
A) The governor
B) The judge
C) His lawyer
D) The prison warden
- 12. Which ocean is near Devil's Island?
A) Pacific Ocean
B) Atlantic Ocean
C) Indian Ocean
D) Arctic Ocean
- 13. What type of society does Charrière critique in his book?
A) Monarchy
B) Capitalism
C) Injustice system
D) Communism
- 14. What philosophical stance is reflected in 'Papillon'?
A) Existentialism
B) Surrealism
C) Impressionism
D) Romanticism
- 15. Which country did Charrière ultimately seek refuge in?
A) Brazil
B) Cuba
C) Colombia
D) Venezuela
- 16. What occupation does Charrière claim to have before prison?
A) Safe-cracker
B) Teacher
C) Banker
D) Soldier
- 17. What is a recurring theme in 'Papillon'?
A) Wealth
B) Politics
C) Romance
D) Survival
- 18. What shockingly oppressive aspect does Charrière endure?
A) Isolation and torture
B) Ease of living
C) Wealth and privilege
D) Frequent visitors
- 19. What does Papillon's journey symbolize in a broader context?
A) Patriotism
B) Success in business
C) Struggle for freedom
D) Family values
- 20. Who becomes Charrière's friend and ally during his escape attempts?
A) Louis Dega
B) Josephine
C) René
D) Paul
- 21. What is one primary emotion depicted throughout 'Papillon'?
A) Fear
B) Apathy
C) Anger
D) Hope
- 22. To what does Papillon often compare his life in prison?
A) A circus
B) A home
C) A game
D) A cage
- 23. What crime was Charrière convicted of?
A) Robbery
B) Murder
C) Fraud
D) Theft
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