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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 is it unusual for the narrator of "Firestone" to be working at a car service station?

2. What is the reason for the narrator's appearance on the Oprah show in "Parade"?

3. What does the narrator wear that gets his picture in the newspaper in "Firestone"?

4. In "My Manuscript", what shocked Chad's father about the student priest's appearance when he arrived home from school one day?

5. What is Drew majoring in at CCCC in "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the narrator's imaginary nightclub act in "Music for Lovers".

2. In "Music for Lovers", why does the narrator often give his daughter stitches? What does he recommend when giving someone stitches?

3. What prompts Mr. Holt to send Chad to Mr. Chatam for guitar lessons in "My Manuscript"?

4. What specific directions does the narrator of "The Last You'll Hear From Me" give Eileen for the dress she is to wear to the funeral?

5. Describe Chad's father's childhood in "My Manuscript".

6. What is the genre of "Don's Story"? How is it a "spoof" on an actual piece in this genre?

7. In "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter", why is Drew having difficulty in his psychology class? What does Glen offer to do to help Drew?

8. Describe the narrator's experience with the woman on the bus in "Firestone".

9. Why does Drew react negatively after Glen shares his dreams with him in "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter"?

10. Contrast the narrator in "Firestone" with his co-workers (Carlton and Taylor).

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each of the stories in "Barrel Fever" has its own unique narrator. Select 4 of the stories and:

1) describe the narrator of each story,

2) discuss the role the narrator plays in the story, and

3) examine the ways the narrator influences how the reader experiences the story.

Be sure to use evidence from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

In many of the stories in "Barrel Fever", Sedaris satirizes popular culture. Select 2 of the stories in which the author uses satire and:

1) describe the ways in which satire is used in the stories,

2) compare and contrast the use of satire in each story, and

3) discuss the impact of satire on the reader's experience of the stories.

Be sure to use evidence from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Several of the stories in this collection offer a commentary on relationships. Select three of the stories in which this commentary is developed and:

1) explain what the stories say about relationships,

2) demonstrate how the author develops this commentary in the story, and

3) respond to the author's commentary: Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?

Be sure to use specific examples from the stories to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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