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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 4: "The Vacuum" through "Fresh-Caught Haddock".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Pearls," how does Sedaris characterize the marital problems people faced in the 1970's and 1980's?
(a) Basic.
(b) Serious.
(c) Overblown.
(d) Inevitable.

2. What family event are the Sedarises anticipating when Lou first falls and has to be hospitalized?
(a) Lou's 95th birthday.
(b) A family vacation to the seaside.
(c) Lisa and Bob's fortieth wedding anniversary.
(d) Gretchen's retirement party.

3. In "Hurricane Season," what objection do Sedaris and his sister have to the name Hugh has chosen for the rental house?
(a) They do not really understand it.
(b) It is offensive.
(c) A nearby house has the same name.
(d) It is boring.

4. In "The Vacuum," what is Sedaris's first thought when he hears a man shouting "Look at the fucking clown!" (147)?
(a) He thinks the man might attack him.
(b) He thinks the man is insulting his outfit.
(c) He thinks the man is criticizing his writing.
(d) He thinks the man is having a hallucination.

5. In "A Speech to the Graduates," what is Sedaris's purpose in mentioning Gretchen's program of study and Amy's work at Second City?
(a) They illustrate his point that the post-college years can be the best years of a person's life.
(b) They demonstrate that gifted artists generally succeed quickly.
(c) They are a warning about the instability of non-traditional career choices.
(d) They are examples of artistic career choices that contrast with safer career choices.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Vacuum," what does Sedaris say is the only thing he was able to successfully hoard?

2. In "The Vacuum," what task does Sedaris find himself performing for other shoppers?

3. In the opening of "Fresh-Caught Haddock," whose death does Sedaris mention?

4. In "To Serbia with Love," what do the problems Sedaris lists with potential travel companions have in common?

5. How does Sedaris feel when Harrison tells him that he has never heard of Sedaris's books?

(see the answer key)

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