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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. What objects does Geoffrey Braithwaite, the narrator of "Flaubert's Parrot," describe in the beginning of the book?

2. When they were lowering Caroline's coffin into the ground, what happened?

3. How did Flaubert first come to know Juliet Herbert?

4. For what reason does Geoffrey say that he does not like coincidences?

5. What happened to the letters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Geoffrey think about omniscient authors of novels?

2. Describe Ed Winterton.

3. What was the trick Flaubert planned to play at the Great Pyramid and what was the outcome?

4. What are some connections between Flaubert and Gertrude Collier?

5. What are several different parrots mentioned in the bestiary?

6. Why did Ed say he burned the correspondence between Juliet and Flaubert?

7. What factual information does Geoffrey tell the reader about himself?

8. How successful was Flaubert during his student days?

9. What is the plot of "Un coeur simple"?

10. Why might Geoffrey be so interested in the mystery of the parrots?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Geoffrey dislikes critics; he points out the absurdity of the critic who found discrepancies in Flaubert's references to the color of Madame Bovary's eyes. He says that those kinds of discrepancies are internal problems, unlike external problems that are caused by a lack of research (giving the wrong date for a war in a novel, for example). Either defend Geoffrey's viewpoint or make an argument against it.

Essay Topic 2

The character of Felicite in "Un coeur simple" can be compared to Flaubert.

1) Briefly explain the plot of the story.

2) Explain what similarities that can be drawn between Felicite and Flaubert.

Essay Topic 3

Geoffrey reveals Ellen's story in full by the end of the book

1) Discuss their relationship, particularly touching on Geoffrey's attitude on Ellen's infidelity and on Ellen's treatment of Geoffrey.

2) Discuss Geoffrey's involvement on his wife's death and comment on his feelings of guilt.

(see the answer keys)

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