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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. The man explains that the toads are dormant and hidden where?

2. Mayle instantly became pen pals with whom?

3. Why is this couple allowed to see the dog?

4. Mayle reminds his wife that he __________ picnics, based on his experiences in London.

5. Peter combs the paper during the time leading up to Bastille Day. What does he find?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the picnic area. How might this compare to Peter's experience in London?

2. How does Mayle's wife first come across Boy? How does this first encounter lead her to act? How do you feel about her behavior?

3. Why might Peter's wife still plan a picnic, although he does not like them?

4. Describe Peter's birthday card. Why might he have been given this?

5. How does Peter get involved in this world of truffles?

6. What is Peter's opinion of picnics? Why?

7. Why is Peter's friend, Frank, worried and on edge? Should he feel this way?

8. How does Benson react to the French doctor? Why might he react this way?

9. What does Peter say about this tasting experience? Why does he give these details?

10. What does Mayle say about the life of a writer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mayle dislikes picnics.

Part 1) Why is this important to the story? Why does this fact not sway Mayle's wife when she plans a picnic? What does this reveal about her and her relationship with her husband?

Part 2) How is Peter's opinion regarding picnics changed? What other strong opinions does Peter have early on in the book that change over the course of his time in Provence? What leads to these changes? For the most part, are these good changes? Why or why not?

Part 3) How have your own opinions changed over time? What led to these changes? Do you believe your opinions will continue to change? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Mayles have many unique experiences while living in Provence.

Part 1) Describe four of these unique experiences. Compare these experiences. How is one experience tied to the next? What is the purpose of telling the reader about these experiences? How does each experience support the author's purpose for writing this book?

Part 2) How do these experiences affect the reader? Do these stories make the book more engaging? Why or why not? Are all of these stories necessary? Why or why not?

Part 3) Describe a unique experience in your own life. How did it affect you? Are you still affected by it? Why or why not? How does your own unique experience compare to those of the Mayles?

Essay Topic 3

Peter's return to London is enlightening.

Part 1) Describe Peter's return to London. How is it enlightening? What does it reveal about Peter? What does it also reveal about London, Provence, and the people of these regions of the world?

Part 2) How does Peter continue to change after this visit to London? How are these changes revealed? Do Peter's English friends see these as positive changes? Why or why not? Do you see these as positive changes? Why or why not?

Part 3) Describe an experience in your own life that was enlightening. How was it enlightening? How did this experience affect you? Was this a permanent effect? Why or why not? How does your own experience compare to Peter's?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,343 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample