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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. Rather than sports, Sedaris states that he and his fellow speech therapy students were more interested in

2. Sedaris compares the typewriter's antiquity to

3. Sedaris' enjoyment of the ocean was ruined by

4. Sedaris goes to work for Patrick because

5. When Mancini insists he name his guitar, Sedaris names his "Joan," after

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mr. Mancini constantly refer to women and his sexual exploits?

2. What reasons does Sedaris list for hating computers?

3. Why does Sedaris seem to object so strongly to his speech therapy sessions?

4. Why does Sedaris feel his father admired jazz so much as a young man?

5. Why does Sedaris believe there are no "normal" restaurants left in his neighborhood?

6. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

7. What attributes of Paul's relationship with his father seem to balance out his directness and crude behavior?

8. Describe Bonnie's character in City of Angels.

9. Why doesn't Sedaris plan any activities for his writing class beyond the first introductions?

10. Describe Sedaris' attitude in the face of the task he has to perform in his friend's bathroom.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several characters is Sedaris' essays seem to find freedom from the need for others' approval. Write an essay in which you compare Sedaris to any other character in the book, noting whether either person is ultimately free from others' approval. Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

In Sedaris' essays, he sometimes identifies himself as without strength or control. Considering the quote,"Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power," write an essay in which you argue whether or not Sedaris truly does possess strength. Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your point.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the motifs of loss and change in Sedaris' book. Then write an essay in which you describe Sedaris' attitude toward these two motifs, supporting your ideas with specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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