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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 Mary Ann learn about Mrs. Madrigal during their conversation after Mary Ann has been in her landlady's bedroom?

2. What is the reason Mrs. Madrigal gives for wanting to meet Mona?

3. After being propositioned at a nightclub by a "long-haired man," what does Mary Ann do?

4. Where does Mary Ann volunteer?

5. In "Mrs. Day at Home," who does DeDe call?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Edgar Halcyon describe himself?

2. What advice does Edgar receive from his doctor and from Mrs. Madrigal?

3. Of what does Hillary accuse Brian? How does he react?

4. Briefly compare the two women in Edgar's life, Ruby Miller and Frannie.

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

6. What does DeDe do after Splinter refuses her?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does Mary Ann assert her independence in the novel? In what ways does DeDe assert her independence? Are there similarities between the growth of these two female characters? What are they? Give specific examples of the growth and independence of Mary Ann and DeDe.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Frannie's relationship with her husband, Edgar and her relationship with her Great Dane. What does the writing and style of "The Diagnosis" show about these relationships? How do these relationships fit in with the overall theme of family in the novel? Give specific examples of their interactions and the theme in 'Tales of the City."

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?

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