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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. Sedaris finds that some stereotypes about Americans are:

2. In most of his fantasies, Sedaris gives himself

3. Why did the class have to explain Easter to the Moroccan woman?

4. As an adult, what prompts Sedaris to believe he is a genius?

5. Whose childhood stories does Sedaris borrow for this essay?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sedaris allow the American couple to insult him without admitting he speaks English?

2. What has become Sedaris' habit when friends come to visit him in Paris?

3. What gives Sedaris a new confidence about speaking French?

4. Why does Sedaris eventually take the Mensa IQ test?

5. Why is Sedaris devastated to learn that his former boyfriend works the Times crossword puzzle?

6. Why does Sedaris claim Americans believe French people are arrogant?

7. What does Sedaris do to help himself sleep at night when various beverages fail him?

8. What helps Sedaris overcome his distaste for the Walkman?

9. Why is Sedaris even more afraid to speak French while taking a class in Paris?

10. How has Sedaris' childhood been different from Hugh's?

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

Sedaris mentions many means of escapism in his essays. Considering his references to avoiding reality and interactions with others, write an essay in which you identify at least three symbols of escapism Sedaris uses, and draw a conclusion about Sedaris' reason for using these methods. Support your position with specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Consider Sedaris' reflections on French and American culture. Based on these reflections, write an essay in which you argue whether Sedaris seems to "belong" in France or America. Use specific examples from the text to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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