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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. To what do Paul and Claire attribute Michel's recent change in behavior?

2. What kind of wine does Serge order for the appetizer course?

3. Who is calling the phone in Paul's pocket?

4. Why does Paul order an appetizer that he knows he won't like?

5. What cell phone service does Paul and Michel both use?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Michel call his father while he his at the restaurant?

2. Why does Paul go into Michel's room an hour before he and Claire leave for the restaurant? Why does he tell Michel he is there?

3. What explanation does Serge give to Paul regarding Babette's behavior in Chapter 15? Is he telling the truth?

4. What film is described by Claire as the most racist film ever in Chapter 13? Why?

5. From what narrative perspective is the novel related? Why is this important?

6. What conversation does Paul and Claire have regarding Michel before they go to the restaurant?

7. Where do Paul and Claire go before the restaurant? Why?

8. How does Paul describe his brother's eating behavior?

9. How does Paul react to the waiter who tells him about the apertif?

10. What is the significance of the white sneakers in the video?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of of race and class privilege as explored in The Dinner. How are these themes developed through character, action, circumstances, and symbolism? How would the events and circumstances of the novel differ if the characters were not affluent and white?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Paul's history of violence that is revealed through the course of the narrative. When did Paul begin exhibiting violent behavior? What is revealed to be the root of Paul's violence? What is the significance of Paul's violence to the novel's plot?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of secrets in The Dinner. What characters in the narrative harbor secrets? From whom do they withhold these secrets? What statements do you think the author is making regarding secrecy in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 803 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample