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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. When one of Flaubert's doctors called him "an hysterical old woman," what was his reaction?

2. Which of the following was Flaubert not accused of?

3. Who is defined as Flaubert's jailer?

4. What did people want to tell Geoffrey about?

5. What does Geoffrey notice that the trains pass as they leave the station in Croisset?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Louise a complication in Flaubert's life?

2. Why does Geoffrey say that Flaubert's fantasies were no longer needed when he was thirty-five?

3. What did Geoffrey say about Ellen's lies?

4. Why does Louise Colet say she didn't need Flaubert in her life?

5. Who are three authors who are given entries in Braithwaite's dictionary?

6. What are three entries in Braithwaite's dictionary do you think were included only for the sake of filling that letter's spot?

7. How is Flaubert's dream described in the examination section on Psychoanalysis?

8. On what points, if any, does Geoffrey personally criticize Flaubert?

9. In what ways did Flaubert want Louise to be like him?

10. Name one subject area included in the examination paper that you would consider unrelated to Flaubert's life and works. Explain your answer.

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

Throughout the book, Geoffrey searches for the answer to the mystery of which parrot is authentic as well as the answer to questions which plague him about Flaubert and about himself.

Part 1) Describe Geoffrey's actual search for Flaubert's parrot.

Part 2) Explain what mysteries Geoffrey attempts to explain about Flaubert's life.

Part 3) Explain what questions about himself Geoffrey attempts to answer in his quest.

Essay Topic 3

Do you think the reader is led to believe from the beginning that Geoffrey will find the actual parrot that once sat on Flaubert's desk? Comment on why or why not and analyze the book as a mystery story, describing its twists and turns.

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