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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. Sedaris claims he sees so many movies because

2. In the end, Sedaris decides

3. Sedaris is surprised to learn that in France,

4. The derogatory term Martin uses for a French person is

5. Tea keeps Sedaris awake because

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sedaris allow the American couple to insult him without admitting he speaks English?

2. What does Sedaris finally conclude about his obsession with crossword puzzles?

3. Why does the barber refuse to believe Jodi Foster would clean up after her own dog while walking on the beach?

4. Why does Sedaris fear he is considered the village idiot in Normandy?

5. Describe the Easter celebration the Sedaris family held each year.

6. How has Sedaris' childhood been different from Hugh's?

7. Why is Sedaris devastated to learn that his former boyfriend works the Times crossword puzzle?

8. Why does Sedaris eventually take the Mensa IQ test?

9. Why are Sedaris' fantasies about manipulating American people rather than French people?

10. How does Sedaris attempt to charm his teacher with his humor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Comedian George Carlin once said, ""When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat." Write an essay in which you identify Sedaris' attitude toward the freakish qualities of Americans. Be sure to use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of loss and change in Sedaris' book. Then write an essay in which you describe Sedaris' attitude toward these two motifs, supporting your ideas with specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Sedaris mentions many means of escapism in his essays. Considering his references to avoiding reality and interactions with others, write an essay in which you identify at least three symbols of escapism Sedaris uses, and draw a conclusion about Sedaris' reason for using these methods. Support your position with specific examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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