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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 Michael says he "wants someone to buy a Christmas tree with," what does he mean?

2. Where does Norman tell Mary Ann that Mrs. Madrigal used to work?

3. Who is Boris?

4. While they are walking on the cliff, what does Mary Ann tell Norman?

5. What is the result of the contest Michael entered?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Michael's parents think about his relationship with Mona?

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

3. Summarize what Norman confesses to Mary Ann in the chapter, "Norman Confesses."

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

5. Explain how DeDe's decision to have the baby marks the climax of her transformation.

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

7. What does Mary Ann realize about Brian when she talks with him after returning home from finding Vincent dead?

8. Upon returning to San Francisco, what does DeDe realize and what does she do about it?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the several layers of meaning of the name of the pick up joint in "Brian Climbs the Walls," the Come Clean Laundromat. How is the name ironic? How does the name signify the reason that people go there?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

"Tales of the City" is a book with a lot of characters. Discuss how the author's use of dialogue contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters in the novel.

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This section contains 887 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample