Essay Questions

Why is the author depicting Cecile as a loving, generous, and caring young girl?

Cecile's true love and affection are demonstrated when she picks Jacques and brings him home to take good care of him. Jacques is a poor boy, and he keeps on roaring and begging for food in the market. When Cecile goes into the market to buy groceries, she notices Jackie, and she approaches him. Cecile takes the boy home, washes his face, and gives him food. Towards the end of the story, the reader notices that Cecile takes Jacques' good care more than she could have done to her biological brother.

Why does Euclide hate the young bishop?

In 'The Long Winter' section, the author introduces Bishop Saint-Vallier walking to the shop owned by Euclide. The young bishop lives a luxurious life using the church resources. The main reason why Euclide hates the young bishop is that he misuses the resources of the church for his selfish gains. According to Euclide, church ministers are supposed to be the servants of the people and use the church resources for doing projects that benefit society. On the contrary, the young bishop is doing the opposite.

How satirical is the character Jacques?

Jacques's character is quite the opposite compared to his biological mother. Jacques's mother is not a role model to decency, but Jacques turns out to be a young decent kid with likable behavior. When Jacques is taken home by Cecile, all family members like his good character. The reader finds it satirical that a mother can have weird behavior, but her child takes an opposite character.