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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 3: The Poet Masturbates, Chaps. 1-14, pp.93-114.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Xavier constantly arrive late, no matter where he's going?
(a) He prefers to tempt fate by not scheduling things very well.
(b) He feels that a scheduled life is boring and unsurprising.
(c) He has always had trouble being punctual.
(d) His watch is always slow.

2. How does Jaromil treat his dates with girls?
(a) As rites of passage necessary for manhood.
(b) As the potential for sexual activity.
(c) As uncomfortable times he must endure.
(d) As exercises in conversation.

3. What does Jaromil think is the quintessential surrealist object?
(a) The telephone receiver with the dangling cord.
(b) The statue of Apollo.
(c) The chair leg if seen by itself.
(d) His mother's light blue perfume bottle.

4. Why does Jaromil begin taking lesson from the art teacher?
(a) He was tired of drawing people with dogs' heads.
(b) His art was consistently mediocre.
(c) Maman took an interest in the art teacher.
(d) He thought the art teacher would make a good father.

5. What is Jaromil's criterion for a true poem?
(a) It must be able to stand apart from other poems.
(b) It must sound poetic when it is recited.
(c) It must be read by someone other than the author.
(d) It must have an established form.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Jaromil's classmates find most irritating about him?

2. What sacred contract does Maman feel that Jaromil is violating?

3. How does Xavier use sleep?

4. How does Maman mourn her husband's death?

5. According to Maman, where was the poet conceived?

(see the answer key)

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