Un sac de billes (A Bag of Marbles) —
Question Bank
Based on Joseph Joffo's 1973
Autobiographical Novel | Companion to the
2026–2027 Study Guide
I. Chapter Plot Comprehension Questions
(Chapters 1–11)
Chapter 1 – Childhood in Paris
1. Where does the first scene of the novel take
place?
A. In Menton
B. At Porte de Clignancourt, in the 18th
arrondissement
C. In Nice
1
,D. In Hagetmau
Answer: B
Source: The search results state "La Porte de
Clignancourt dans le 18ème arrondissement"
2. What are Joseph and Maurice doing at the
beginning of the novel?
A. They are going to school
B. They are playing marbles
C. They are working at the barbershop
D. They are hiding from the Germans
Answer: B
Source: "Jo et Maurice jouent aux billes"
2
,3. What is Joseph's father's profession?
A. Teacher
B. Barber
C. Bookseller
D. Baker
Answer: B
Source: "Son père avait un salon de coiffure"
4. What does the sign "Yiddish Gescheft" on
the shop window mean?
A. "Barbershop"
B. "Jewish business"
C. "No entry"
D. "Open on Sundays"
3
, Answer: B
Source: The search results explain that the sign
means "commerce juif"
5. What does Joseph do when he loses his
favorite marble?
A. He gets angry
B. He cries
C. He quits the game
D. He asks Maurice to help him
Answer: B
Source: "Jo pleure quand il perd sa bille
préférée"
4
Question Bank
Based on Joseph Joffo's 1973
Autobiographical Novel | Companion to the
2026–2027 Study Guide
I. Chapter Plot Comprehension Questions
(Chapters 1–11)
Chapter 1 – Childhood in Paris
1. Where does the first scene of the novel take
place?
A. In Menton
B. At Porte de Clignancourt, in the 18th
arrondissement
C. In Nice
1
,D. In Hagetmau
Answer: B
Source: The search results state "La Porte de
Clignancourt dans le 18ème arrondissement"
2. What are Joseph and Maurice doing at the
beginning of the novel?
A. They are going to school
B. They are playing marbles
C. They are working at the barbershop
D. They are hiding from the Germans
Answer: B
Source: "Jo et Maurice jouent aux billes"
2
,3. What is Joseph's father's profession?
A. Teacher
B. Barber
C. Bookseller
D. Baker
Answer: B
Source: "Son père avait un salon de coiffure"
4. What does the sign "Yiddish Gescheft" on
the shop window mean?
A. "Barbershop"
B. "Jewish business"
C. "No entry"
D. "Open on Sundays"
3
, Answer: B
Source: The search results explain that the sign
means "commerce juif"
5. What does Joseph do when he loses his
favorite marble?
A. He gets angry
B. He cries
C. He quits the game
D. He asks Maurice to help him
Answer: B
Source: "Jo pleure quand il perd sa bille
préférée"
4