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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. Facing his lack of artistic talent might mean

2. Sedaris' first artistic success takes the form of

3. Lou Sedaris said his daughters would thank him for

4. The question "Which do you like better, State or Carolina?" refers to

5. Lou Sedaris once dreamed that computers would

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the main differences between Sedaris and his father outlined in the chapter?

2. What is ironic about the fact that Bonnie at last finds some "nice New Yorkers" at the Plaza Hotel?

3. Why does Sedaris believe there are no "normal" restaurants left in his neighborhood?

4. Why does Sedaris claim he lives in constant fear as Mr. Sedaris?

5. Why does Sedaris resist learning to play the guitar?

6. Why does the young Sedaris miss the irony of the fisherman's inability to live by the seashore?

7. Why doesn't Sedaris plan any activities for his writing class beyond the first introductions?

8. When does Sedaris come to understand his parents' experience with dying pets?

9. How has Sedaris' mother explained bodily functions?

10. Why does Sedaris suggest Miss Sampson's "timing was off" when she reveals her human side during their last session?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of Sedaris' essays focus on childhood. Write an essay in which you determine a theme Sedaris creates on the subject of childhood, and use specific examples to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the quote, ""Genius has limitations; stupidity is boundless." Write an essay in which you defend, refute, or qualify the previous statement, using Sedaris' musings on his own limitations as support for your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Considering the family and relationship stories Sedaris recounts in his book, write an essay in which you describe the success of his relationships in general. Using specific examples to support your argument, evaluate Sedaris' own reflection on the important relationships in his life.

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