Tales of the City

Edgar describes himself as “‘the biggest asshole on the Barbary Coast’” (90). However, he is often glimpsed in tender, nostalgic moments. How does the tension between the two ends of the spectrum reconcile itself, particularly with regard to Edgar’s health?

Though the novel is set in the 1970s, it is very much a product of the 1960s. How does nostalgia and an affection for the past affect the contemporary lives of the characters?

As the ostensible protagonist of the novel, Mary Ann is one of the most important characters. How does she grow as a person during her time in San Francisco?

Brian is described as a womanizer and frequently exhibits womanizing behavior. How (if at all) do Brian’s attitudes towards women change throughout the novel? 

The novel contains very few non-white characters. One non-white character is D’orothea, though this situation is fraught with its own complications. How does the novel approach issues of race, particularly in comparison to sexuality or gender?

As the all-knowing matriarch of Barbary Lane, Mrs. Madrigal seems acutely aware of all of her tenants’ love lives. How does she approach love and romance herself? In what way have past experiences shaped her contemporary relationships?

Mona has a complicated relationship with her own sexuality. She hides her homosexual tendencies, even from her closest friends. Why does Mona find it difficult to address her own sexuality?

Unlike Mona, Michael has no trouble telling the world that he is gay. However, he does have a number of issues in addressing his own pride. How does Michael’s life become affected by his pride and the pride of others?