View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Geoffrey first meet Ed Winterton?

2. What was the attitude toward Flaubert of the Collier sisters who Flaubert met when he spent his summers in Trouville?

3. What did Flaubert's niece ask for after Flaubert's death?

4. According to Geoffrey, what is included in Flaubert's dictionary along with a catalog of cliches and odd definitions?

5. Why does Geoffrey think that critics want to control literature?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Geoffrey think Flaubert might also be compared to a camel?

2. Why is Geoffrey so anxious to meet with Ed a second time?

3. Explain why Flaubert refers to himself as a bear, and particularly as a white one.

4. What was included in the dictionary Flaubert wrote?

5. Why does Geoffrey say he hates critics?

6. What is the mystery of the two parrots?

7. What was the trick Flaubert planned to play at the Great Pyramid and what was the outcome?

8. What are the three parts of Braithwaite's chronology about?

9. What are several different parrots mentioned in the bestiary?

10. What is ironic about the Flaubert's burial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What qualities or facts about Flaubert do you think drew Geoffrey to him in the first place? Consider Flaubert's biographical information, his relationships with women, his interest in the written words, and anything else you consider pertinent.

Essay Topic 2

Julian Barnes uses a variety of styles and innovations in "Flaubert's Parrots." Discuss several of these, including but not limited to, the dictionary and the examination paper. Explain the effectiveness of each and comment on their limitations.

Essay Topic 3

The character of Felicite in "Un coeur simple" can be compared to Flaubert.

1) Briefly explain the plot of the story.

2) Explain what similarities that can be drawn between Felicite and Flaubert.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 624 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample