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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. A man who is entering his tall black Great Dane in the contest is himself dressed in __________ from head to toe.

2. The Lubéron is described in a recent issue of American Vogue as what?

3. What does Massot want to rent?

4. The Mayles and their friend Christopher arrive early to the concert area, equipped with what?

5. A woman sitting nearby insists that Pavarotti does what in between songs?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one of the possible consequences of drought in the region? How does this lead to more problems?

2. What is pastis? Why is there a chapter about it?

3. Why does Mayle decide to not install a security system? Is this a good reason? Why or why not?

4. How does the town of Orange feel about Pavarotti's arrival? Why do they feel this way?

5. What is the epitome of the Luberon? How is this being destroyed by the increase in visitors and new residents?

6. What is Mayle's fear regarding Massot? Is this a rational fear? Why or why not?

7. How is a stranger able to prevent Mayle from getting a parking ticket? Why is he able to do something Mayle is not able to do?

8. What does Massot do regarding the hunt for gold? Why does he do this?

9. Why is Mayle in Avignon? Why is this important enough to include in the book?

10. How does the chapter end? What does this reveal about those involved in dog shows?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book opens with the author of the book going to a pharmacy.

Part 1) Why might the book open this way? What does it reveal about the author? What does it reveal about France? How does this aspect of France compare to America?

Part 2) How does the book proceed? How does one story lead to the next? Why does the book progress in this way? Do you find this to be an effective and engaging way of organizing a book? Why or why not?

Part 3) What do you believe are the most important parts of the book? Why? How do these parts of the book affect your opinion of the book, the author, and Provence?

Essay Topic 2

The author describes a trip to Les Halles.

Part 1) What is Les Halles? What takes place at Les Halles? Why does the author include this trip in this book?

Part 2) Do you find this trip and these details about Les Halles to be important to the story? Why or why not? How does this story progress the plot or support the author's purpose for writing this book?

Part 3) Does the U.S. have anything like Les Halles? If so, what? If not, why not? What does Les Halles reveal about French culture? Is this something Americans have in common with the French? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The author finds old coins on his property.

Part 1) Describe the finding of these coins. Why does he involve his neighbors in this? What does this reveal about his relationship with them?

Part 2) What does this treasure-hunting adventure reveal and/or reinforce about the author and others? How does this story compare to others in this book? What similarities exist? How is this book, as a whole, a treasure hunt?

Part 3) What does all this hunting reveal about the author and about Provence? How can you relate to this specific treasure hunt and other stories involving finding something or gaining information about something?

(see the answer keys)

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