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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 gift does Mary Ann receive as her welcome gift?

2. What does Mrs. Madrigal say she acquired by growing up in a whorehouse?

3. What does Brian learn from Connie after they have sex?

4. Which place do Edgar and Mrs. Madrigal have in common?

5. What does Mrs. Madrigal tell Edgar as she hands him the kite?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Edgar Halcyon describe himself?

2. What advice does Edgar receive from his doctor and from Mrs. Madrigal?

3. Why do neither Mary Ann nor Connie think they will stay in touch when Mary Ann moves out?

4. What is the source of Edgar's bad temper and general unhappiness?

5. What does DeDe do after Splinter refuses her?

6. Briefly discuss the scenario between Mary Ann and Beauchamp in the Mendocino cabin.

7. At Frannie's party, what happens to the conductor and where does he go?

8. Why does Mary Ann consider moving back to Cleveland and what changes her mind?

9. How does Mrs. Madrigal react when Mary Ann mentions the picture of the soldier in her bedroom?

10. Explain what happens when DeDe visits Mary Ann?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters in the book seem search for something. Choose 3 characters and explain what they are searching for, how they go about it, and what the result of the search is, using quotes from the book to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss Frannie's relationship with her husband, Edgar and her relationship with her Great Dane. What does the writing and style of "The Diagnosis" show about these relationships? How do these relationships fit in with the overall theme of family in the novel? Give specific examples of their interactions and the theme in 'Tales of the City."

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