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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 does not usually socialize with the members of his French class because

2. Sedaris initially offends the American couple by

3. Though the teacher ridicules him in the end, Sedaris is proud because

4. Why are the students in Sedaris' French class intimidated by the teacher?

5. Thanks to his sister, Amy, Sedaris learns

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sedaris notice about Americans while living in France?

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

3. Why are Sedaris' fantasies about manipulating American people rather than French people?

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

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

6. Why does Sedaris believe he cannot have the same movie-viewing experiences in America that he has in Paris?

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

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

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

10. Describe one way in which Sedaris attempts to memorize masculine and feminine nouns.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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