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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. What does Edgar learn when he returns home from Mrs. Miller's?

2. What color shirt is Connie Bradshaw wearing when she meets Brian?

3. After being fired, what does Mona tell Mrs. Madrigal?

4. With what is Mary Ann frustrated about life in San Francisco?

5. What is Social Safeway?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what happens when DeDe visits Mary Ann?

2. How does Mrs. Madrigal react when Mary Ann mentions the picture of the soldier in her bedroom?

3. How does Mrs. Madrigal welcome Mary Ann to 28 Barbary Lane?

4. In "Mona's New Roomie," what does the reader learn about Mona and Michael's relationship?

5. Mary Ann and Brian discuss secrets in San Francisco. Briefly state each of the character's views on this subject.

6. Why do neither Mary Ann nor Connie think they will stay in touch when Mary Ann moves out?

7. Over what work issue does Edgar get angry with Beauchamp?

8. What does the reader learn about Peter from the scene when he and Beauchamp are at the opera?

9. What happens in Chapters 22 through 30 that shows how the narrative intersects the lives of its characters?

10. Describe Mrs. Madrigal and Mary Ann's initial interaction.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the several layers of meaning of the name of the pick up joint in "Brian Climbs the Walls," the Come Clean Laundromat. How is the name ironic? How does the name signify the reason that people go there?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss some of the parallels between the relationships of Mona and her family, Michael and his family, and Mary Ann and her family. Use specific examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

How does the author build on the mystery surrounding the character of Mrs. Madrigal? What do readers know about her? What do we not know? How does the author use other characters to reveal pieces of the puzzle surrounding Mrs. Madrigal's character?

(see the answer keys)

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