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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. During his argument with DeDe, what does Beauchamp say he was doing with Mary Ann?

2. On the day Mary Ann is invited for dinner, Mona leaves work early in order to reassure whom?

3. Where does Mary Ann find a job?

4. In "The Wrath of DeDe," of what does DeDe accuse Beauchamp?

5. After she looses her job, what does Michael do to try to cheer Mona up?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Mona's relationship with her mother different from her relationship with Mrs. Madrigal?

2. In "Relating at Lunch," how does Beauchamp change the status of his relationship with Mary Ann?

3. How does Mona help Mary Ann when the two women first meet?

4. Which other significant character does Mary Ann meet at Social Safeway?

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

6. Explain what happens when DeDe visits Mary Ann?

7. Briefly discuss the scenario between Mary Ann and Beauchamp in the Mendocino cabin.

8. How does Mrs. Madrigal comfort Edgar after he confesses that he is dying?

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

10. How are Edgar and Mrs. Madrigal connected even though they don't know it at first?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain how the setting of the book (San Francisco in the 1970's) impacts the plot and the characters. Give specific examples by choosing a few characters to focus on, including their reactions and lifestyle choices.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the symbolism of parrots in the novel. What do parrots symbolize? How do parrots impact the novel? Give specific examples from the book to support your discussion and make sure that you define symbolism in the essay.

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