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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Proust strive to find within his writing?
(a) The most perfect storytelling.
(b) The most perfect writing.
(c) The most perfect means of communication.
(d) The most perfect means of expression.

2. What did Proust use to find his power of manipulation?
(a) His reading.
(b) His perception.
(c) His wealth.
(d) His intellect.

3. Which of the following did Proust NOT argue people should act around our friends?
(a) Superficial
(b) Warm.
(c) Dependent.
(d) Affectionate.

4. What was the artist Proust wanted the young boy to become acquainted with paint?
(a) Night skies.
(b) Still-life renderings.
(c) Water lillies.
(d) People.

5. What did Proust believe was far inferior to writing?
(a) Conversation.
(b) Poetry.
(c) Music.
(d) Radio.

6. What are Proust's quotations on friendships like?
(a) Humorous.
(b) Cynical.
(c) Satirical.
(d) Kind.

7. What did Proust believe about painters?
(a) They had the ability to open our eyes.
(b) They were needed in society.
(c) They had the ability to move its viewer.
(d) They were talented.

8. What does Proust's narrator in "In Search of Lost Time" realize about the beach house?
(a) It's Gothic.
(b) It's a typical 20th century resort town.
(c) It's a mansion.
(d) It's dilapidated.

9. What phrase does Proust use to explain one solution of keeping lover's love alive?
(a) "Out of sight out of mind".
(b) "Absence makes the heart grow fonder".
(c) "Give to others more than you expect to receive".
(d) "Love them and continue to".

10. How did Proust act when he was around different types of people?
(a) Uncomfortable.
(b) Exuberantly.
(c) The same at all times.
(d) Different according to whom he was with.

11. How long does it take for the narrator in "In Search of Lost Time" to grow bored with his new interest?
(a) 20 days.
(b) 15 days.
(c) 20 minutes.
(d) 15 minutes.

12. Which of the following did Proust NOT use to describe conversation?
(a) It does not allow for revision.
(b) It does not allow time for introspection.
(c) It was thoughtful.
(d) It was quick and constant.

13. What does Proust reason jealousy sparks within a relationship?
(a) Renewed feelinsg of romance.
(b) Resentment.
(c) Anger.
(d) Sadness.

14. What did Proust give as an example of people becoming unsatisfied at something they grew used to?
(a) The telephone.
(b) The television.
(c) The car.
(d) The airplane.

15. Who is the unhappy young boy a reflection of in "In Search of Lost Time"?
(a) De Botton.
(b) The narrator.
(c) Albertine.
(d) Gregh.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who shows the narrator paintings of ordinary things, forcing the narrator to appreciate the simplicity in them?

2. What Impressionist artist does De Botton mention?

3. What did Proust himself endlessly do in his writing?

4. Where did Proust's father take Proust when he was a child?

5. How did Proust succeed in winning friends?

(see the answer keys)

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