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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 bring Mary Ann on the morning after Vincent's suicide?

2. After learning from Jon that she gets pregnant, what does DeDe tell Jon?

3. What makes Frannie feel better about the Great Dane's impending death?

4. When she returns home after finding Vincent dead, who does Mary Ann visit?

5. What is the nickname that Mona and Mary Ann have for Michael?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Summarize what happens during Michael's dance contest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss how the theme of the tension between sexual freedom and emotional freedom is explored in "Tales of the City." Give examples from the book, using quotes and definite theme in your essay.

(see the answer keys)

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