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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 is the name of Jackelyn Dunbar's husband?

2. Where is Sedaris's first job at SantaLand?

3. What does Sedaris decide to wear for the Christmas season he works at the cafeteria?

4. As Sedaris works at the cafeteria, what is he searching for in life?

5. Joceylyn Dunbar compares Khe Sahn to what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jocelyn Dunbar's youngest son like?

2. Why does David decide to boycott Christmas while working at the cafeteria?

3. What happens when Lisa and David take Dinah home with them?

4. What are some of the experiences Sedaris has with the adults who visit SantaLand?

5. What does Sedaris come to realize as increasing numbers of customers go through the line at Piccadilly cafeteria?

6. Where do David and Lisa Sedaris get jobs at their father's urging to gain after school employment?

7. What happens the day that Jocelyn asks Khe Sahn to watch baby Don?

8. Why is Jocelyn Dunbar being accused of baby Don's murder?

9. What does the middle-aged Sedaris dream of doing?

10. What happens when Lisa drags David to a house in a poor neighborhood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of appearance versus reality as it is illustrated in various stories in the collection.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of misguided expectations and how it resonates throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the character of Thaddeus Bristol and what he represents in society.

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This section contains 766 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample