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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. How does Beauchamp seduce Mary Ann?

2. Mrs. Madrigal reminds Mona that she has lived at Barbary Lane for how long?

3. In "Anguish in Bohemia," what does Beauchamp remember while he is having a drink with his friend Peter?

4. Who invites Mary Ann for dinner in "Edgar Blows Up"?

5. Where does Beauchamp invite Mary Ann?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Explain what happens when DeDe visits Mary Ann?

6. What is Mona worried about after Michael meets Jon?

7. How does Mary Ann feel after her weekend in Mendocino with Beauchamp?

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

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

10. What does Mona tell Mary Ann to try to convince her to stay in San Francisco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the theme of human frailty is explored in "Tales of the City." Give examples of the book to support your discussion on theme and make sure that you define theme.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of the chapter titles throughout the novel. Choose at least 3 chapter titles and explain their layers of meaning, providing examples from the book to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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