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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. After Michael and Brian have an unsuccessful cruising expedition, where do they go?

2. Which type of questions is DeDe happy to answer for Carson Callas?

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

4. What happens when Norman and Mary Ann kiss?

5. What is Candi's job?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Vincent take Mary Ann into account when he decides how to kill himself?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the overall style of the book, "Tales of the City." Make sure your answer includes the following:

1. How the short chapters contribute to the style.

2. The chapters alternate between different characters. How does this impact the style of the book?

3. Many chapters have cliffhanger endings. How does this impact the style of the book?

Essay Topic 2

How does Edgar's attitude toward his wife, Frannie, change over the course of the novel? Give specific examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 891 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample