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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. When does Edgar tell Mrs. Madrigal that he will arrive at her party?

2. When Mary Ann is out with Norman after the movie, why is she humiliated?

3. Who is the doctor that Binky recommends to DeDe?

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

5. Where does Brian meet D'orothea?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does DeDe go for a transformation?

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

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

4. Edgar meets Beauchamp and tells him something in strictest confidence. What is the reader supposed to think that Edgar told him?

5. What does the reader learn about the two characters when Brian talks with Michael in the courtyard while Michael is tanning before the contest?

6. What two things does Mona do in an attempt to make something of her relationship with D'orothea?

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

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

10. Briefly recount the events that lead Mary Ann to meet Norman Neal Williams.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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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This section contains 928 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample