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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Proust feel people should take the time to create?
(a) A good meal.
(b) A nice essay.
(c) Unique thought.
(d) Unique expressions.

2. What did Proust's own problems with friendship come from?
(a) His supernatural powers of perception.
(b) His supernatural powers of love.
(c) His supernatural powers of inferiority.
(d) His supernatural powers of analysis.

3. Who is Gilberte?
(a) De Botton's girlfriend.
(b) The woman the narrator in "In Search of Lost Time" becomes enamored with.
(c) Proust's girlfriend.
(d) Proust's sister.

4. Who was the artist Proust wanted the young man to be introduced to?
(a) Jean-Baptiste.
(b) Jean-Baptiste Chardin.
(c) Monet.
(d) Picasso.

5. What did Proust see in his friends?
(a) Nothing.
(b) Their faults.
(c) Their negativity.
(d) Their positivity.

6. What does "La Flagorneur" mean in English?
(a) "The author".
(b) "The moment".
(c) "The today".
(d) "The yesterday".

7. What does Aunt Leonie daydream about?
(a) Her own death.
(b) Her family leaving her.
(c) Her parents death.
(d) Her family dying in a house fire.

8. What was Proust excellent at arranging for everyone else except for himself?
(a) Appreciation.
(b) Parties.
(c) Love.
(d) Happiness.

9. What did Proust himself endlessly do in his writing?
(a) Wrote in multiple languages.
(b) Proofread his works.
(c) Rewrote his works.
(d) Revised his works.

10. Which of the following did Proust NOT use to describe conversation?
(a) It was thoughtful.
(b) It does not allow for revision.
(c) It does not allow time for introspection.
(d) It was quick and constant.

11. How did Proust succeed in winning friends?
(a) By his wealth.
(b) By keeping the conversation on the other person.
(c) By being a listener.
(d) By keeping the conversation on himself.

12. Who shows the narrator paintings of ordinary things, forcing the narrator to appreciate the simplicity in them?
(a) Albertine.
(b) De Botton.
(c) Elstir.
(d) Aunt Leonie.

13. How did Proust feel when people used trite and cliched expressions?
(a) Indifferent.
(b) Happy.
(c) Annoyed.
(d) Angered.

14. What should love always involve according to Proust?
(a) A support.
(b) A fulfillment.
(c) A pursuit.
(d) A need.

15. According to Proust, what should exist when a lover is being obtained?
(a) A thrill.
(b) A desire.
(c) A pursuit.
(d) A chase.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Proust give as an example of people becoming unsatisfied at something they grew used to?

2. How did Proust act with his friends?

3. What does Proust argue people are not doing when they use trite and cliched expressions?

4. How many solutions does Proust offer for lovers to keep their love alive?

5. What does Proust reason humans as creatures of habit develop towards their lovers?

(see the answer keys)

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