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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. Why can't Saint-Loup introduce the narrator to Mme. Guermantes in Paris in "Guermantes Way, Part I"?

2. In "Seascape, with Frieze of Girls," what game does the narrator fail at while playing with Albertine?

3. How does Francoise feel about leaving Balbec in "Seascape, with Frieze of Girls"?

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

5. Who does M. Bloch pretend to know in "Place-Names: The Place, Part II"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Francoise do while in Balbec?

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

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

4. What treatments are recommended for the grandmother in "Guermantes Way, Part I continued"?

5. How does Francoise act during the grandmother's illness?

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

7. What happens when Mme. Swann arrives at Mme. de Villeparisis's party?

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

9. What does the narrator learn about Bergotte when he visits the grandmother during her illness?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Guermantes' Way with Swann's Way. Consider the physical appearances of the paths, the reason they are used, and what they mean for the characters.

Essay Topic 2

After a period of day-dreaming about Mme. Guermantes, the narrator becomes disillusioned with her. Follow the chain of events that takes the narrator from love to indifference. What does this change mean for the narrator? What does is represent in the larger picture of his society?

Essay Topic 3

Many members of the narrator's family are very cold to each other. Describe specific events that support this idea and explain the impact it has on the family. How does the grandmother's death play into this? How would you characterize the relationships within the narrator's family?

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