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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. How does Flaubert feel about the organization of his ideas?

2. What was the unusual characteristic of the sheep whose owner Flaubert took to dinner?

3. The dates in the second list of the chronology include those associated with what?

4. From what diseases did Flaubert suffer?

5. Who does Flaubert feel he will be tied to until one of them dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Geoffrey say is the difference between internal mistakes in writing literature and external ones?

2. What does Geoffrey think about omniscient authors of novels?

3. What does Geoffrey find on the subject of Madame Bovary's eyes when he rereads the book?

4. What are some connections between Flaubert and Gertrude Collier?

5. Why might Geoffrey be so interested in the mystery of the parrots?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain and provide details about Geoffrey's irritation with Ed Winterton, both because of Winterton's personality and because of the destruction he committed. In addition, comment on whether or not you feel Geoffrey's irritation was warranted.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 662 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample