Elijah D. Gallenero 10223589.

01
Song at the Scaffold: Test
General Directions: Please type your answers and DOUBLE-SPACE between the lines of typing. Be
sure to include your name and student ID. Please upload the test to Seton from your MySeton page; or
you may mail it to Seton at the end of the quarter, along with the Quarter Report Form.

Specific Directions:

(a) This is an OPEN-BOOK TEST. However, “Open Book” refers only to the textbook or novel. It does
NOT include the Course Manual, Internet materials (including the Seton website), or any study guides or
review pages you may have received.

(b) The answer for each question should be in one to four complete sentences and only according to
what the literary work clearly expresses.

(c) Be sure all your answers are in your own words. Unless a question asks for a quote from the literary
work in an answer, avoid quoting the literary work and avoid being too dependent on the use of its
wording. If you use a quote, explain the quote in your own words. A quote alone does not constitute an
answer. Quoting the author does not demonstrate your own understanding of the material. If a quotation is
used, it must be placed in quotation marks.

Questions:

1. Name two distinct sources from which Villeroi learned about Blanche, since he did not know her
personally. (5 points)

Blanche’s father and Sister Maria were two main sources from which Villeroy learned

about Blanche.

2. Describe three details or more of what happens to Blanche’s mother during the Fireworks
Catastrophe. (5 points)

Three notable things that happened to her during the Fireworks Catastrophe, were that she was thrown

out of her carriage, walked home instead of taking a ride, and delivered birth prematurely.

3. The Fireworks Catastrophe causes Blanche to be born with great fear. Provide two examples of
Blanche’s fear, before she enters the convent. (5 points)

A few examples of Blanche's fear before she leaves for the convent include, but are not limited to the

terror when her dog barked for no apparent reason and she cannot trust the stairs in the tower at her

family home.

4. Describe the political views and the religious views of the Marquis de la Force, Blanche’s father,
at the beginning of the story. (5 points)
At the start of the narrative, the Marquis de la Force held the following political and religious beliefs:

He advocated for equality during the revolution and detested religion, calling convents jails.

5. Describe two incorrect notions about the Infant King—on the scope of his power and on the
action of devotees—that Madame de Chalais teaches Blanche. (5 points)

Madame de Chalais gives Blancheare two false beliefs about the Infant King: first, that Christ's authority

is derived from his crown; and second, that Christ will spare those who are good to him from suffering.

6. What accident immediately challenges these two incorrect notions? (5 points)

The staircase falling down instantly disproves these two false ideas.

7. Why does Bishop Rigaud suggest the religious name “Jesus in the Garden of Agony” for Blanche
and other novices? (5 points)

Bishop Rigaud suggests the religious name "Jesus in the Garden of Agony" for Blanche and other

novices as this reflects their inner turmoil, or fear that they have to face at some point of their spiritual

path. Just as Jesus was destined to feel profound fear and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane before

His crucifixion, the novices, Blanche above all, had to stand within their well since it is there that the

struggle and the fear are in their way of spiritual development and martyrdom. The very name

characterizes not only persecution but the struggle with confidence and faith in God's wish.

8. What is the official role of Mother Teresa in the convent? (2 points)

Mother Teresa's official role in the convent is that of prioress. As prioress, she is responsible for leading

the community of nuns, guiding them in their spiritual and daily lives, and ensuring the proper

functioning of the convent according to its religious principles.

9. When Blanche receives the habit of a novice, she makes a gesture regarding her habit which sets
the other nuns at ease about accepting her into the convent. What gesture does she make? (3 points)

When Blanche is given the habit of a novice, she is making a humble and convincing gesture that soothes

the other nuns. She shows a kiss of the hem of her habit in reverence and submission, showing true

humility and a willingness to embrace religious life wholly. This helps the other nuns to be confident in
accepting her within the convent after previous apprehensions about her fears and anxieties.

10. Describe three or more details of the dramatic incident in the convent, involving Blanche and
outsiders, which causes Blanche’s fear to return. (5 points)

Three elements of the dramatic incidence in the convent that brought back the fear in Blanche include;

when the commissioner came into Blanche's cell she lets out a shrill scream and when the commissioner

tried to persuade her to leave the covenant, which made Blanch rush into Sister Marie's arms.

11. Describe Blanche’s reaction to the “Carmagnole” song when she hears it while in the convent.
What does she ask, and what impression does she give? (5 points)

Blanche is shocked and offended at the singing of the "Carmagnole," and when she hears it, she begs to

be allowed to go away, and seems desirous of withdrawing to a place where it cannot be heard.

12. Describe two items of the dress and equipment that are part of the statue of the Infant King
before the French Revolution begins. (5 points)

Before the French Revolution occurred, the sculpture of the Infant King is adorned with two significant

objects: 1. A crown: The statue is donned in a crown that represents kingship and power by Christ as the

King of Heaven and Earth 2. A scepter: The other object worn by the statue is a scepter representing

Christ's divine rule over all nations and peoples.

13. Describe at least four details of the Christmas incident involving the Infant King, in which
Blanche begins to learn that Madame de Chalais’ belief about the Infant King is incorrect. (5
points)

Four facts of the Christmas incident with the Infant King include; the Infant King had no ornaments

except for a cape, that the cape had a small tear as Sister Jeanne was very old, that the statue was dropped

by Blanche in which head broke off before the body was smashed Blanche's tears fell on the statue.

14. Blanche eventually gives up the struggle with her fear. What does Mother Teresa consider doing
with regard to Blanche at this point in the story, and why does she decide against this plan? (5
points)

At this point, when Blanche has abandoned the fight against her fears, Mother Teresa considers the

possibility of sending her away from the convent. She reaches this conclusion for the simple reason that

the powerful fear said to belong to Blanche signifies that she is not cut out for religious life and Mother
Teresa may feel that possibly Blanche will not be able to cope with the demands placed upon their

vocation at this time, especially in the light of revolution. However, Mother Teresa relinquishes this

notion for she discovers inner strength in Blanche and believes God has a special purpose for her even

when it is not yet in sight. She decides to give Blanche some time to help her spiritually grow rather than

removing her from the convent.

15. Explain Madame de Chalais’ personal crisis. (5 points)

Madame de Chalais’ personal crisis was that after she had met with Blanche she soon lost all hope and

was destroyed by losing all the things she deemed good.

16. How does this crisis end? (5 points)

This crisis ends with her attempting to flee from France until eventually, she dies at the border.

17. Describe two or more details of Blanche’s living conditions while she is with the September
Mothers. (5 points)

Two details of Blanche’s living conditions while with the September Mothers was that she spent the

majority of her time in complete ennui and occasionally took part in the revolution processions.

18. Describe Blanche’s actions and her emotional state as the nuns conclude the song “Veni Creator
Spiritus” during their execution. (5 points)

At the end of the execution, as the nuns finish singing the song "Veni Creator Spiritus," she changes.

Blanche now manifests an incredible serenity and strength, which appear to be qualities drawn from a

deep faith and acceptance of her fate. She moves, emotionally, from fear to intent serenity, clings to the

shared prayer along with her fellow sisters. This is a moment of growth and guts for her because she's

still willing to believe and confess even to the point where death starts at her, and in this regard, she finds

unity with what truly exists.

19. Why is Sister Marie unable to achieve martyrdom? (5 points)

Sister Marie was unable to achieve martyrdom because she was still in Paris during the

Carmelites arrest.
20. Where is the statue of the Infant King found and by whom? (5 points)

The statue of the Infant King was located in the streets drenched in mud until a little girl found it.

21. Where is the statue placed for veneration and safe-keeping, and in what residence? (5 points)

The statue is placed for veneration and safe-keeping in a shrine to Mary and resides in the

residence of Rose Ducor.