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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. According to Louise, what would Flaubert have made her into if he had his way?

2. In his letters, what did Flaubert often write to Louise about?

3. What was the subject of the metaphysical novel Flaubert made plans to write?

4. What does Geoffrey call the devil's mark of the snorkel of sanity?

5. Which of the following are not used to describe Flaubert in Braithwaite's Dictionary?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why did Flaubert hate railroads?

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

6. In what way was Flaubert unkind to Louise?

7. What does Geoffrey say is the difference between what people want to know about lovers and what they want to know about authors?

8. What are two of the issues about which Geoffrey says people would find fault with Flaubert?

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

10. What does Geoffrey say about the death of writers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Geoffrey reveals Ellen's story in full by the end of the book

1) Discuss their relationship, particularly touching on Geoffrey's attitude on Ellen's infidelity and on Ellen's treatment of Geoffrey.

2) Discuss Geoffrey's involvement on his wife's death and comment on his feelings of guilt.

Essay Topic 2

At one point, Geoffrey examines Flaubert's life from the viewpoint of the road not taken.

1) Describe some of the plans Flaubert had for his life and for books that didn't get written.

2) Explain how the idea of life plans not taken also intrigue Geoffrey for personal reasons.

Essay Topic 3

"History is always incomplete" is a theme that surfaces repeatedly throughout the novel. Discuss this theme as it applies 1) to Geoffrey's inability to completely know everything he would like to know about Flaubert, and 2) to Geoffrey's inability to know everything about his wife.

(see the answer keys)

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