2. Why does the narrator in "Glen's Homophobia Newsletter" encourage readers to mention his newsletter to others rather than lending them their copies of it?

3. Why did Terry Glassman destroy his typewriter in "My Manuscript"?

4. What does the narrator of "My Manuscript" aspire to become?

5. Why does Brandon Tartikoff offer Don a contract for his life story in "Don's Story"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Chad conduct research for his book in "My Manuscript"?

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

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

9. Describe the narrator of "The Last You'll Hear From Me".

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Two of Sedaris' stories in "Barrel Fever" ("Glen's Homophobia Newsletter" and "Season's Greetings to our Family and Friends") are written as letters. In your essay,

1) discuss how letters are typically used by people,

2) discuss how Sedaris uses the genre of the letter in each of these stories, and

3) analyze the statement the author is trying to make about the genre of the letter.

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

Essay Topic 2

While David Sedaris' stories are often described as sharp and cutting, they also offer a level of empathy and kindness towards their characters. Select 2 of the stories where Sedaris shows empathy and discuss how he shows kindness towards his characters. Compare and contrast the ways kindness is shown in each of these stories. Be sure to use evidence from the stories to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The titles of many of the stories in "Barrel Fever" have an ironic twist to them. Select three of the following stories and discuss how the title of each story reflects an irony presented in the story.

1) "Parade"

2) "Music for Lovers"

3) "We Get Along"

4) "Firestone"

5) "After Malison"

6) "Barrel Fever"

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

(see the answer keys)

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