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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. Where is Beauchamp when DeDe calls Binky to ask for the name of a doctor?

2. What does Michael's father call homosexuals?

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

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

5. While they wait for Lexy in the car, what does Norman hint that he wants from Mary Ann?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Where does DeDe go for a transformation?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

How does the narrative intersect the lives of the characters in unexpected ways? Give at least two examples from the book. How does this interconnectedness contribute to the overall plot? Why do you think the author felt the need to connect all the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Explain how the setting of the book (San Francisco in the 1970's) impacts the plot and the characters. Give specific examples by choosing a few characters to focus on, including their reactions and lifestyle choices.

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This section contains 878 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample