Fr 139 Questions:  "Au Revoir les enfants" and "Papon's Paper Trail"

Au Revoir les Enfants

1.  Explain the evolution of Jean & Julien's relationship.  What event or moment solidifies their friendship?

2.  Describe Jean and Julien.  How are they different and what do they have in common?

3.  What was school like during this time period? 

4.  How does Julien figure out that Jean is a Jew?

5.  Why is the black market condemned at school?  Do you find the idea of the black market acceptable or reprehensible?

6.  Whom do you think is responsible for Jean and the others' arrest? 

7.  Compare the portrayal of the Germans with the portrayal of the French collaborators in the film.  Who are the "bad guys" in your opinion?

Adam Gopnik: "Papon's Paper Trail"

1.  Who was Maurice Papon and why was he on trial in 1998?

2.  How did Arno Klarsfeld drive his fellow prosecutors crazy during the Papon trial?

3.  Who or what does Gopnik contend was actually on trial in 1998?

4.  How does Gopnik compare the cult of the French State to the cult of the American constitution?

5.  Explain how the documents bearing Papon's signature can be interpreted in two ways. 

6.  What shocking event happened while Papon was the head of the Paris police in the 1960s?

7.  What was the final verdict in the Papon trial?