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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 5: "Happy-Go Lucky" through "Lady Marmalade".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Hurricane Season," what information does Gretchen habitually irritate Sedaris with?
(a) She tells him her theories about what her dreams mean.
(b) She tells him about her past sexual experiences.
(c) She tells him about online criticism of him.
(d) She tells him things Hugh has said behind his back.

2. In "Themes and Variations," what is the Jewish man selling in the joke Sedaris is told by one of his drivers?
(a) Nails.
(b) Shoes.
(c) Cake.
(d) Cattle.

3. Which word best captures Sedaris's depiction of Eastern European decor in "To Serbia with Love"?
(a) Gaudy.
(b) Cozy.
(c) Utilitarian.
(d) Elegant.

4. In "Highfalutin," what does Sedaris ultimately decide his idea of perfect happiness is?
(a) Eating ice cream while watching a documentary about Jim Jones.
(b) Sitting on the deck of Sea Section with Hugh, watching the ocean.
(c) Taking a long bath at a great hotel before giving a reading.
(d) Shopping and laughing with his sister Amy.

5. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what does Sedaris say causes the resiliency of people in their early twenties?
(a) Idealism.
(b) Physical attractiveness.
(c) Good health.
(d) Inexperience.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does the title of the essay "Lady Marmalade" come from?

2. In "A Better Place," what objection does Sedaris make to people saying that his father did his best?

3. In "Lady Marmalade," what new role does Lou take on once all of his children have moved out?

4. In "Themes and Variations," what two topics does Sedaris note seem to overlap in many jokes?

5. How is the term "highfalutin" introduced into the essay "Highfalutin"?

(see the answer key)

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