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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. When Michael says he "wants someone to buy a Christmas tree with," what does he mean?

2. When DeDe returns home after losing weight, what does Beauchamp tell her?

3. Which type of questions is DeDe happy to answer for Carson Callas?

4. What is Mona surprised by when she meets D'orothea's father?

5. After learning from Jon that she gets pregnant, what does DeDe tell Jon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly recount the story that Mrs. Madrigal tells Edgar after they make love on his first visit to her home.

2. How does Norman Neal Williams find out that Mrs. Madrigal used to work in a book store?

3. What happens to Mary Ann when she and Norman are in Chinatown after the movie?

4. What do Michael's parents think about his relationship with Mona?

5. Explain how DeDe's decision to have the baby marks the climax of her transformation.

6. Summarize the conversation between Edgar and Mrs. Madrigal at the Bohemian Grove.

7. What does Norman Neal Williams reveal to Mary Ann in the car during the trick or treating outing?

8. Where does DeDe go for a transformation?

9. What does Mary Ann realize about Brian when she talks with him after returning home from finding Vincent dead?

10. Upon returning to San Francisco, what does DeDe realize and what does she do about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the theme of the tension between sexual freedom and emotional freedom is explored in "Tales of the City." Give examples from the book, using quotes and definite theme in your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the overall style of the book, "Tales of the City." Make sure your answer includes the following:

1. How the short chapters contribute to the style.

2. The chapters alternate between different characters. How does this impact the style of the book?

3. Many chapters have cliffhanger endings. How does this impact the style of the book?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of the nature of family in terms of the following two relationships: Mona and Mrs. Madrigal, Michael and Mona. What do these relationships signify about the author's view of family?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample