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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. Why can't the meter reader read the Mayles' meter?

2. What surprise gift do the Mayles receive?

3. What does the postman relate about his friend?

4. What takes place at the Mayles' house in August?

5. Who helps Peter stock his wine cellar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Menicucci do at the Mayles house in August?

2. What is the irony of Christmas Day to the Mayles?

3. How do the men of Provence prepare for hunting season?

4. Describe the woman who advises the Mayles about olive oil.

5. What does Faustin advise the Mayles to do and why?

6. Who is Roger and what happens to him?

7. How does Peter stock his wine cellar?

8. What frightened friends of the Mayles who were staying at a nearby hotel?

9. Describe the plan Madame Mayle has for getting the workmen back on the job to complete the work before Christmas.

10. Why can't the meter reader read the meter and how does Menicucci fix the problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many customs of kissing and body contact in Provence which differ greatly from the customs in America.

Part 1) Write a description of the different ways of kissing in France. How do they kiss in Paris? How do they kiss in Provence? Men kiss eachother. Does that repell you?

Part 2) Besides kissing there is other body contact in Provence. Describe it and its meaning?.

Part 3) Write a description of some of the different forms of body language the Provencals use. What are the different kinds of body language and what do they mean?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Of all the many characters in the book , whom do you like the most and why? Choose any character, describe him or her. What is his or her physical appearance, age, personality? How is the character important to the book? To the Mayles?

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