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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Because it was so still in the valley in February what did Monsieur Massot say one could hear?

2. What possession does Tony like to flaunt?

3. What did the dogs of Provence learn to do during the cold February weather?

4. What did Monsieur Menicucci think was scandalous?

5. Where do the people of Provence go every Sunday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe in a sentence or two the bicycle trip the Mayles took on the first of May.

2. Why were the journalists happy about the lead story "Provence Under Blanket of Snow?"

3. Describe how the dogs reacted to the snow and ice.

4. What is the arrangement the Mayles have with their neighbors concerning the grapes grown on the property?

5. Why did the Mayles purchase a house in Provence?

6. Describe some of the kissing practices in France.

7. Describe the clothes Thierry Fructus, the insurance agent, wore.

8. Retell briefly the story Massot told about a peasant who coveted his neighbor's house.

9. The dinner party the Mayles are invited to is memorable for what reason?

10. What strikes you about the students in Aix?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As has been mentioned before, there are many colorful characters among the people of Provence whom the Mayles come in contact with.

Part 1) Describe the neighbor, Massot. Is he a sympathetic character? An interesting character? What are some of the strange things he thinks and does?

Part 2) Menicucci is a character whom Peter turns to when he has a problem. Write an essay with a description of Menicucci which explains why Peter trusts him so. Mention some of the things Menicucci does for Peter in the book.

Part 3) Faustin and his wife Henriette are also important characters in the book. Describe them and their relationship to the Mayles. How do the couples interact?

Essay Topic 2

One of the only tourist locations the Mayles visit during their year in Provence is Aix.

Part 1) Describe the main street of Aix in detail.

Part 2) Describe the social behavior of the students in the cafes of Aix. How are their actions a bit silly. Do you think they are superficial and vain? Do you think they ever study? How do they differ from what you know about American college students? How are they the same?

Part 3) Describe the shops the Mayles visit in Aix and the restaurant they choose to dine at.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of funny incidents or sections in the book.

Part 1) Describe the incident where the English couple and their young son learn about the toilette a la Turque.

Part 2) Describe the incident where friends of the Mayles staying at a nearby hotel think they see an eagle in their wardrobe. What is it really? What does the night desk clerk give them to handle the situation when they find out they can't change their room? Do you think this is funny? What would you do if you found yourself in this situation?

Part 3) What are the "Sayings of August?" Do you think these are funny or unfortunate?

(see the answer keys)

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