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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 Geoffrey think that critics want to control literature?

2. What mistake did Enid Starkie make when she published her biography of Flaubert?

3. Flaubert refers to himself as a bear and his sister as what animal?

4. What objects does Geoffrey Braithwaite, the narrator of "Flaubert's Parrot," describe in the beginning of the book?

5. What mistake in "The Lord of the Flies" does the professor from Cambridge talk about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Flaubert compares himself to many things. Name some of them.

2. Why does Geoffrey say he hates critics?

3. What places does Geoffrey go to learn more about Gustave Flaubert?

4. How did Ed happen to get the letters between Julie and Flaubert?

5. What is the plot of "Un coeur simple"?

6. How successful was Flaubert during his student days?

7. What does Geoffrey say about coincidences?

8. What is Flaubert's opinion of democracy?

9. Whose deaths greatly affected Flaubert's life?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Women played a major role in Flaubert's life. Explain the impact of each of the following woman on Flaubert's life and/or work: Madame Flaubert, Juliet Herbert, Louise Colet, and Elisa Schlesinger.

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

In the book's chronology, one reads what are sometimes contrasting perspectives on the events in Flaubert's life. Discuss each of the three parts of the chronology and give at least three examples of conflicting information.

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