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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. Who agrees to be Brian's date to Mrs. Madrigal's party?

2. While she makes dinner for D'orothea's family, what does Mona reveal to Michael?

3. Edgar's father changes the family name from __________ to Halcyon.

4. How does Mona react to D'orothea's long telephone conversations with her friends back in New York?

5. Why does Vincent decide not to slit his wrists?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens during the encounter between DeDe and Carson Callas?

2. Briefly summarize what happens to Brian at the Treasure Island Trailer Court.

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

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

5. Why does Vincent take Mary Ann into account when he decides how to kill himself?

6. Discuss DeDe's dilemma with regards to her pregnancy.

7. The reader learns that Norman is a private investigator. What other information does the telephone conversation between him and Mrs. Ramsey reveal?

8. What do Mona and D'orothea argue about after Mona already moved in with D'orothea?

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

10. Briefly discuss the parallels between Frannie's Great Dane and Edgar.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Edgar's attitude toward his wife, Frannie, change over the course of the novel? Give specific examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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