View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does DeDe learn from Splinter?

2. Who is DeDe embarrassed to see at Frannie's party?

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

4. How does Edgar react when Mrs. Madrigal says she runs a house of her own?

5. Where is Mary Ann Singleton originally from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the source of Edgar's bad temper and general unhappiness?

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

3. Why does Mary Ann consider moving back to Cleveland and what changes her mind?

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

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

6. What does DeDe do after Splinter refuses her?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The word "halcyon" is a synonym for happiness and peace. Discuss how the meaning of his name relates to Edgar's journey and transformation as a character, giving specific examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

"Tales of the City" was originally published as a daily newspaper serial. Explore how the story fits the serial format versus the novel format. In what ways does the structure of the novel give away its beginning as a serial drama in a newspaper?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample