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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 Norman Neal Williams tell Mary Ann he does for a job?

2. At his brunch with Mary Ann, what does Norman say is his relationship to Lexy?

3. What gift for Norman is Mary Ann wrapping at her office?

4. Why does Mona tell Michael that she is moving out?

5. When Micheal's parents first arrive, what do they tease him about?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Briefly recount the story that Mrs. Madrigal tells Edgar after they make love on his first visit to her home.

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

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

6. Summarize the conversation between Edgar and Mrs. Madrigal at the Bohemian Grove.

7. Explain what D'orothea tells Brian when they go for drinks after first meeting in the restaurant.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Norman Neal Williams does not meet a pleasant end. Discuss how the author uses foreshadowing to prepare the reader for what happens to Norman. Give 2 to 3 examples from the book to support your position.

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