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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. In "Combray," what writer does M. Swann know?

2. Why is Swann often late to the Verdurin's parties in "Swann In Love"?

3. What religion does Blotch practice?

4. In "Mme. Swann at Home," what do the narrator's parents finally say about Bergotte?

5. Why does Dr. Cottard rise in society?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Overture," how do the narrator's aunts treat M. Swann?

2. In "Mme. Swann at Home," what happens to the narrator's writing?

3. What happens when Swann spends time away from Odette in "Swann In Love"?

4. In "Combray," why does the narrator read a lot?

5. What does the narrator learn about the Swanns when he talks about them with his mother in "Place-Names"?

6. How is M. Swann associated with the narrator's family?

7. What makes Bergotte see the narrator as an intellectual?

8. Why does the narrator visit his Uncle Adolphe frequently in "Combray"?

9. How does the narrator's grandmother start a fight with her family in "Overture"?

10. What does Gilberte do in "Place-Names" that makes the narrator think she might like him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mme. Swann is a woman with a reputation. Explain how her reputation creates her value in the eyes of the other characters. What does she symbolize for her society and times?

Essay Topic 2

How does Vinteuil's sonata work a symbol in this novel? What other pieces of music are symbolic? How do these symbols help to create the characters and plot?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the major events that occur while the narrator and his grandmother travel to Balbec. Select three places they visit and explain the importance of each. What do these places symbolize? What happens there that changes this novel? What is so significant about Balbec?

(see the answer keys)

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