Le Passe Compose: "cutting" an ongoing action

Question

"C'est alors que Maxine_______mon sac et s'est enfin en courant." I got this question wrong because I chose the Imparfait rather than PC. Is the correct reason for using the PC because Marie's action is best described as a sudden one, it cuts into something ongoing? I thought I had the difference between the two straight in my mind but obviously "non". Can you explain/confirm if my reasoning (after getting it wrong!) is correct? Thanks. Valerie

Accepted Answer

Hi Valerie,
In future, these type of queries, if from a quiz, you should use the Report It button on your correction board as it will link directly to the quiz and is easier for us to answer you.
I will try and answer this one but the French doesn't make much sense.
Is it -
Maxine a pris /a coupé son sac et s'est enfuie en courant ?
Maxine took/cut  her bag and fled running
If that's the case these two brief actions are consecutive and the perfect tense is correct.

Answer

I think I remember seeing this question in the quizzes too - it is I believe 's'est enfuie' - fled or ran away ('en courant' is tautological here) .  However, with that noted, the sentence does indeed mean something like "That is when (or - it is then that) Maxine cut my bag and ran away (fled running)" - yes, it will be passé composé (Maxine a coupé mon sac) as the action of cutting was a single, defined and completed action.

Answer

Thank you both! Makes better sense now.