Part 1
Why does Etienne feel ashamed about himself on his first day of work?
Etienne saw that Catherine was working harder than him.
What are the two levels of society in Germinal?
The rich and the poor
How does Catherine feel when Etienne moves into her house?
She feels awkward about it and tries to avoid him.
What is the significance of the strike?
To get themselves better working conditions and a raise in money.
How does the setting of this story influence the working conditions at the mine?
The story takes place after the fall of the emperor in 1860s France. Consequently, there are socioeconomic consequences that result in companies having to pay their workers less and unequally to compensate for the low economy.
What are the working conditions for women?
Women in the mine work almost “equally to men”. Although they lack encouragement and support they are autonomous.
Does Chaval love Catherine?
In a way, yes, but it seems as if he loves her body more than her.
How are the principal ideas of Marxism expressed in the book?
Etienne wants the society to be a Marxist society where there is no hierarchy, and the way he approaches the strike is based on his new ideals.
What are the key characteristics of Etienne that make him a good leader?
He is brazen, hard working and deeply cares for the workers
Why does Maigrat’s wife laugh when he dies?
He treated her very poorly and she was happy to be free.
What does Catherine’s room she shares with her siblings reveal about her lifestyle?
It shows that the Maheu family do not have enough money to buy a bigger home as all the siblings share a room.
What is an act of kindness that La Mahuede did to show the love of her family?
She went from place to place to ask for some money so that she can feed her family.
Why don’t the Greogoires give La Maheude the loan she needed?
They don’t give out money as they fear it would be misused, rather they send them with essentials that they can use.
Why did La Mahuede yell at Catherine for bringing sugar after she came back?
She thought it was a useless bribe, to cover the fact that she had “abandoned her family”.
What does the Voreaux symbolize in society?
The poverty and exploitation of the workers. It is described as a “voracious beast”.
What does Catherine’s appearance (weight) indicate about her lifestyle?
Catherine is skinny meaning her family does not have the money for food.
What causes a shift in Etienne’s perspective?
Etienne sees the faults in the mining society and is pushed to create a better environment as he sees potential in the workers.
Why is the avalanche in the mine so significant?
The avalanche opened the eyes to many people to the danger they are living in.
Why is La Mouquette so easily persuaded by Etienne?
She has hopes that he will for her.
What is the theme of the book?
Valid Answers:
(1) Struggle
(2) Social hierarchy
(3) Inequality
Why did Chaval kiss Catherine?
To assert his dominance over Ettiene, and claim Catherine as his own
What do Catherine vs Cecile personify in the book?
Catherine personifies poverty; she is described to be frail, thin and malnourished. While Cecile personifies the rich as she is described as plump and rosy.
Why does Catherine stay with Chaval?
Catherine is obsessed with the idea of having a partner although he does not treat her well.
In what ways does germinal reflect the social conflict in society?
Germinalreflects the social conflict of the rich vs the poor. Where society is conformed in a way that keeps the rich rich and the poor poor.
What is the major conflict throughout the story?
The workers vs. the company, as the working conditions are treacherous and they receive little pay.