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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 does the narrator begin cleaning bathrooms in "Firestone"?

2. Who does the narrator of "Firestone" claim is trying to make his job at the service station difficult?

3. How often is "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter" published?

4. What does the narrator of "Music for Lovers" think the source of his daughter's headaches is?

5. Why was Don fired from his job at a cafeteria in "Don's Story"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Chad's relationship with Terry Glassman in "My Manuscript"?

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

3. Describe the instances of "homophobia" that Glen believes he experiences after speaking with Drew on the phone in "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter".

4. What is the tone of the story "Parade"? How does the author create this tone?

5. In "We Get Along", what does the narrator think the initials W.S. stand for? Why?

6. Describe the narrator of "Parade"'s relationship with Bruce Springsteen (from his perspective).

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

8. Describe a typical first date for the "old" version of the narrator of "Parade".

9. Describe Dawn's relationship with Rusty in "Music for Lovers".

10. Describe the scene at Barbra Streisand's house in "Don's Story".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In "Barrel Fever", David Sedaris offers a variety of wacky minor characters for the reader to enjoy. Select two of the following characters and compare and contrast them in an essay:

1) Taylor in "Firestone"

2) Aunt Margery in "We Get Along"

3) Marty in "Jamboree"

4) Gill in "Barrel Fever"

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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