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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 object is the subject of the theater direction quoted in the theatrical history section of the examination?

2. According to Geoffrey, what is the sweetest moment of writing?

3. Which of the following, in Flaubert's "Over Strand and Field," does he say he doesn't laugh at?

4. What is Geoffrey's response to the accusation that Flaubert was a pessimist?

5. In the "History (with Astrology)" section of the examination, what does Flaubert say we are dancing on?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Geoffrey think that people want to know the worst?

2. Why does Louise Colet say she didn't need Flaubert in her life?

3. Why was Flaubert secretive about his meetings with Louise Colet?

4. What are three entries in Braithwaite's dictionary do you think were included only for the sake of filling that letter's spot?

5. In what way was Flaubert unkind to Louise?

6. How is Flaubert's dream described in the examination section on Psychoanalysis?

7. Describe Flaubert's feelings about his home in Croisset

8. On what points, if any, does Geoffrey personally criticize Flaubert?

9. From Braithwaite's dictionary, give an example of conflicting accounts for one particular entry.

10. What two women are compared and found to be remarkably similar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Geoffrey examines Flaubert's life from the viewpoint of the road not taken.

1) Describe some of the plans Flaubert had for his life and for books that didn't get written.

2) Explain how the idea of life plans not taken also intrigue Geoffrey for personal reasons.

Essay Topic 2

Geoffrey says that individuals always want to know the worst about the people in their lives; however, he also says that individuals always want to know the best about the authors they read.

1) Explain why Geoffrey believes this statement.

2) Give examples using his feelings towards Flaubert and his wife.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Geoffrey searches for the answer to the mystery of which parrot is authentic as well as the answer to questions which plague him about Flaubert and about himself.

Part 1) Describe Geoffrey's actual search for Flaubert's parrot.

Part 2) Explain what mysteries Geoffrey attempts to explain about Flaubert's life.

Part 3) Explain what questions about himself Geoffrey attempts to answer in his quest.

(see the answer keys)

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