Flaubert's Parrot Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Throughout the book, Geoffrey searches for the answer to the mystery of which parrot is authentic as well as the answer to questions which plague him about Flaubert and about himself.
Part 1) Describe Geoffrey's actual search for Flaubert's parrot.
Part 2) Explain what mysteries Geoffrey attempts to explain about Flaubert's life.
Part 3) Explain what questions about himself Geoffrey attempts to answer in his quest.

2. Women played a major role in Flaubert's life. Explain the impact of each of the following woman on Flaubert's life and/or work: Madame Flaubert, Juliet Herbert, Louise Colet, and...
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