W13 Close Reading of Tales of the City

By this point in the story, the majority of main character’s personalities have been established and we understand the background of their lives. However, there’s still several that Maupin has not shown the true extent of, and DeDe is one of them. After discovering Beauchamp’s affair, not too long after they were just married, it’s a good chance to show what kind of person she is in a rough situation.

DeDe was already established as coming from a very well to do family, and most likely her marriage wasn’t fully for love, but a little for connections and wealth as well. She’s taking time away from the situation by oozing herself in decandance. In the fanciest limo she can get, grazing on gaudy levels, she heads to a wealthy spa retreat nestled away in a wealthy play area of Escondido. DeDe has a complex on her past, making sure she maintains a level going back to her life “peak.”

As the story progresses, the vices and essence of the characters further develops. We’ve learned the truth of many of the female characters, and few of the male characters. I feel that this build up is going to lead to a personality clash or a climax or sorts in which all of the main characters vices and quirks will come to a quarrel.


“Sagebrush and avocado trees shimmered in the afternoon heat as the huge gold limousine sped north through the hills of Escondido.
DeDe settled back in the seat and closed her eyes. She was bound for The Golden Door! The Golden Door! America’s most sumptuous and blue-blooded fat farm.”

Armistead Maupin, Tales of the City “At the Fat Farm.” Pg.186.