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

2. In "To Serbia with Love," what smell does Sedaris complain is omnipresent during his travels in Eastern Europe?
(a) Burning coal.
(b) Animal manure.
(c) Cigarette smoke.
(d) Garbage.

3. In "A Better Place," what objection does Sedaris make to people saying that his father did his best?
(a) His father was an abusive alcoholic.
(b) Results matter as much as intentions.
(c) Very few people actually do their best.
(d) His father was neglectful and uninterested.

4. On page 194 of "A Better Place," what does Sedaris object to someone saying to describe Prince dying?
(a) "Found peace."
(b) "Went home."
(c) "Transitioned."
(d) "Slept."

5. In "Unbuttoned," what does Sedaris take away from the story about Russ Baker's mother?
(a) It is futile to desperately pursue approval from a specific person.
(b) Everyone has issues with their parents, not just him.
(c) It is important to mend relationships while you still have the opportunity.
(d) You cannot always take literally the things people say when they are suffering.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Themes and Variations," which person that he encounters during his tour does Sedaris say might be the only one who really "sees" him?

2. In "Hurricane Season," where does Sedaris get the idea for the name he wants to call the rental house?

3. In "Hurricane Season," what objection do Sedaris and his sister have to the name Hugh has chosen for the rental house?

4. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what is Sedaris's purpose in mentioning Gretchen's program of study and Amy's work at Second City?

5. In "Unbuttoned," what word does Sedaris point out is one that Lou habitually uses to describe others?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 429 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample