View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The derogatory term Martin uses for a French person is

2. Sedaris is surprised to learn that in France,

3. Why has Sedaris' conscience been bothering him?

4. When Sedaris watches American movies in Paris, he

5. Using the reference books, Sedaris discovers a whole new world of

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the barber refuse to believe Jodi Foster would clean up after her own dog while walking on the beach?

2. While watching the girl dangle from a broken ride at the Paris street fair, what is Sedaris most concerned about?

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

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

5. Why does Sedaris fear he is considered the village idiot in Normandy?

6. In the end, what does the class discussion on Easter lead Sedaris to conclude?

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

8. Describe the Easter celebration the Sedaris family held each year.

9. Why is Reggie so indignant about his job on the construction site clean-up crew?

10. Why is Sedaris relieved that he squeals and grabs his neighbors' legs when the men are injured by the vachettes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Considering Sedaris' exploration of the motifs of language and communication, write an essay in which you determine a conclusion or theme at which Sedaris arrives in his essays. Use specific examples of Sedaris' experiences with language and communication to develop and support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of trauma and tragedy in Sedaris' essays. Write an essay of your own in which you reflect on the effect of trauma and tragedy on Sedaris or other characters. Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 818 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample