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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. Whose autographed letters does the narrator's grandmother buy for Saint-Loup as a going away present?

2. Who does the narrator pretend to be interested in when he really likes Albertine?

3. In "Place-Names, The Place: Part I," why can't the narrator talk to M. de Stermaria's daughter?

4. During the party at the Villeparisis' in "Guermantes Way, Part I," who embarrasses the narrator?

5. In "Seascape, with Frieze of Girls," where does the narrator often run into Bloch's sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. While in Balbec, how does Francoise react to Mme. de Villeparisis?

2. What upsets the narrator about his stay in the hotel in Balbec?

3. What happens the first time the narrator meets Albertine?

4. How does the narrator feel before leaving for his trip to Balbec?

5. How does Saint-Loup get along with servants?

6. What happens in "Guermantes Way, Part I" when the narrator's grandmother becomes ill?

7. Which of Elstir's paintings catches the attention of the narrator in "Seascape, with Frieze of Girls"?

8. How does the narrator feel about the people in Balbec?

9. How does M. de Charlus feel about the narrator's grandmother in "Place-Names: The Place, Part II"?

10. What does Francoise do while in Balbec?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select three marriages in this novel and compare and contrast them. What is the commentary on marriage that this novel provides?

Essay Topic 2

There are several houses in this novel. Select three houses and compare and contrast them. Consider the families that reside there, the events that take place there and the reputation of each house. How are houses valued in this novel and why?

Essay Topic 3

The narrator struggles with his career as a writer in this novel, receiving advice from friends, family, and even the famous author, Bergotte. Describe the narrator's relationship with his writing and how it develops throughout the novel. How does the narrator's art of writing compare with the art of other characters? What does this mean in a novel considered to be semi-autobiographical?

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This section contains 738 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample