Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where does the majority of the book take place?
Where does the majority of the book take place?
Detroit
In what month and year was Callie first born?
In what month and year was Callie first born?
January 1960
What's Cal's name on his birth certificate?
What's Cal's name on his birth certificate?
Calliope Helen Stephanides
Who gave Milton advice on how to ensure he would have a baby girl?
Who gave Milton advice on how to ensure he would have a baby girl?
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Father Mike is not promoted to priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Instead, ___________ takes the spot.
Father Mike is not promoted to priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Instead, ___________ takes the spot.
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Lefty's real name is...
Lefty's real name is...
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Lefty initially looks to find a woman in...
Lefty initially looks to find a woman in...
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Cal is ___ when he starts writing his memoir.
Cal is ___ when he starts writing his memoir.
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The book is written by...
The book is written by...
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The family's physician is called...
The family's physician is called...
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When Callie is born, she is ___ inches long and weighs __ pounds and __ ounces.
When Callie is born, she is ___ inches long and weighs __ pounds and __ ounces.
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How were Desdemona and Lefty's parents killed?
How were Desdemona and Lefty's parents killed?
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What was the name of Desdemona and Lefty's village?
What was the name of Desdemona and Lefty's village?
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Desdemona and Lefty's mother is named...
Desdemona and Lefty's mother is named...
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What is the name of the African-American activist who preaches on the street corner near the Stephanides diner and is befriended by Cal?
What is the name of the African-American activist who preaches on the street corner near the Stephanides diner and is befriended by Cal?
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Who sells the Stephanides family their home on Middlesex?
Who sells the Stephanides family their home on Middlesex?
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Why does Clementine Stark move away?
Why does Clementine Stark move away?
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Who is Chapter Eleven's nerdy and unpopular friend growing up?
Who is Chapter Eleven's nerdy and unpopular friend growing up?
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Who's the first black mayor in Detroit?
Who's the first black mayor in Detroit?
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What is the name of Cal's college girlfriend (who was raped at thirteen)?
What is the name of Cal's college girlfriend (who was raped at thirteen)?
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Who gives Cal a ride and owns a strip club in San Francisco where Cal performs as 'the god Hermaphroditus'?
Who gives Cal a ride and owns a strip club in San Francisco where Cal performs as 'the god Hermaphroditus'?
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Who takes over the family hot dog business after Milton dies (and quickly runs it to the ground)?
Who takes over the family hot dog business after Milton dies (and quickly runs it to the ground)?
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What are the names of Father Mike and Aunt Zo's children?
What are the names of Father Mike and Aunt Zo's children?
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Where in Greece does Desdemona sell silkworm cocoons?
Where in Greece does Desdemona sell silkworm cocoons?
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Who are Lefty's two 'options' for women in the village?
Who are Lefty's two 'options' for women in the village?
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What is the name of the catalogue Desdemona uses to teach the girls to seduce Lefty?
What is the name of the catalogue Desdemona uses to teach the girls to seduce Lefty?
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Denotes the first fever of human pair bonding.
Denotes the first fever of human pair bonding.
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Where does Cal live as an adult?
Where does Cal live as an adult?
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What is Cal a part of?
What is Cal a part of?
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When did Lefty and Desdemona leave Bithynios?
When did Lefty and Desdemona leave Bithynios?
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Where do Lefty and Desdemona go to get to America?
Where do Lefty and Desdemona go to get to America?
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Where is Dr. Nishan Philobosian from?
Where is Dr. Nishan Philobosian from?
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Who is the Greek civil governor when Desdemona and Lefty leave Greece (and when the government leaves Smyrna)?
Who is the Greek civil governor when Desdemona and Lefty leave Greece (and when the government leaves Smyrna)?
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Who is the first President of modern-day Turkey who was treated by Dr. Philobosian?
Who is the first President of modern-day Turkey who was treated by Dr. Philobosian?
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Desdemona frequently cries out the word...
Desdemona frequently cries out the word...
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_______'s entire family is killed by the Turkish soldiers and is rescued from drowning by Desdemona and Lefty.
_______'s entire family is killed by the Turkish soldiers and is rescued from drowning by Desdemona and Lefty.
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What's the name of the first boat Desdemona, Lefty, and Dr. Philobosian go on?
What's the name of the first boat Desdemona, Lefty, and Dr. Philobosian go on?
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What's the name of the second boat Desdemona, Lefty, and Dr. Philobosian take?
What's the name of the second boat Desdemona, Lefty, and Dr. Philobosian take?
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What is Desdemona's maiden name?
What is Desdemona's maiden name?
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Who is born first: Milton or Tessie?
Who is born first: Milton or Tessie?
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What is Tessie's real name?
What is Tessie's real name?
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What's the name of the lake where Jimmy Zizmo fakes his death?
What's the name of the lake where Jimmy Zizmo fakes his death?
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What's Milton's real name?
What's Milton's real name?
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Who is Milton named after?
Who is Milton named after?
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Peter Tatakis, the future chiropractor, is referred to as...
Peter Tatakis, the future chiropractor, is referred to as...
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Initially, Lefty called his wife _______, which means 'doll', but after she gives birth to Milton and their relationship begins to change, he starts calling her _______, which means 'Madame'.
Initially, Lefty called his wife _______, which means 'doll', but after she gives birth to Milton and their relationship begins to change, he starts calling her _______, which means 'Madame'.
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Whenever the Zebra Room was open for business, Lefty put up a sign of _______ in the living room window, facing the street.
Whenever the Zebra Room was open for business, Lefty put up a sign of _______ in the living room window, facing the street.
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Milton is afraid of...
Milton is afraid of...
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Where does Desdemona receive her last haircut?
Where does Desdemona receive her last haircut?
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Sourmelina's secret is that she is a lesbian.
Sourmelina's secret is that she is a lesbian.
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What kind of car do Sourmelina and her husband have?
What kind of car do Sourmelina and her husband have?
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Where do Sourmelina and Jimmy live?
Where do Sourmelina and Jimmy live?
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Jimmy Zizmo says he is an...
Jimmy Zizmo says he is an...
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Where is Lefty's first job in America?
Where is Lefty's first job in America?
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Desdemona filled her time with _____ in America.
Desdemona filled her time with _____ in America.
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How many men come to inspect Jimmy and Sourmelina's home once Lefty has his job?
How many men come to inspect Jimmy and Sourmelina's home once Lefty has his job?
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Who is the head priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church when Desdemona and Lefty first arrive?
Who is the head priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church when Desdemona and Lefty first arrive?
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When Lefty graduates from his English class, what colors does he have to wear?
When Lefty graduates from his English class, what colors does he have to wear?
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Why is Lefty fired from the Ford Motor Company?
Why is Lefty fired from the Ford Motor Company?
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Right after Lefty is fired, he finds out that...
Right after Lefty is fired, he finds out that...
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Cal notes that there are _____ intersexuals alive today.
Cal notes that there are _____ intersexuals alive today.
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Who is the woman Cal dates?
Who is the woman Cal dates?
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Tessie and Milton are conceived after Desdemona, Lefty, Sourmelina, and Jimmy go to the theater to see...
Tessie and Milton are conceived after Desdemona, Lefty, Sourmelina, and Jimmy go to the theater to see...
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Jimmy Zizmo claimed __________ was vital for digestion.
Jimmy Zizmo claimed __________ was vital for digestion.
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Jimmy Zizmo thought the ________ started the war.
Jimmy Zizmo thought the ________ started the war.
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What did Jimmy Zizmo actually import?
What did Jimmy Zizmo actually import?
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______ helps Jimmy Zizmo in his business, despite the fact that what they're doing is illegal.
______ helps Jimmy Zizmo in his business, despite the fact that what they're doing is illegal.
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The only escape for Sourmelina in her pregnancy is the...
The only escape for Sourmelina in her pregnancy is the...
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Who is the leader of the church Desdemona works at?
Who is the leader of the church Desdemona works at?
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What's the name of Cal's school growing up?
What's the name of Cal's school growing up?
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Sourmelina believes that ________ didn't enter the body until a child started speaking.
Sourmelina believes that ________ didn't enter the body until a child started speaking.
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What is Cal's Aunt Zo's middle name?
What is Cal's Aunt Zo's middle name?
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When does Sourmelina move out?
When does Sourmelina move out?
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What's the name of the street where Desdemona, Lefty, and Sourmelina live (and where Jimmy also lives before dying)?
What's the name of the street where Desdemona, Lefty, and Sourmelina live (and where Jimmy also lives before dying)?
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Where does Desdemona go for her new job?
Where does Desdemona go for her new job?
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In 1932, Detroit was known as...
In 1932, Detroit was known as...
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Julie Kikuchi attended the _________ for college.
Julie Kikuchi attended the _________ for college.
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Fred Dodd, Professor Ford, Wallace Ford, W.D.Ford, Wali Farrad, Waddell Fard, or W.D.Fard.
Fred Dodd, Professor Ford, Wallace Ford, W.D.Ford, Wali Farrad, Waddell Fard, or W.D.Fard.
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When Desdemona walks into the church where she works, which class is going on?
When Desdemona walks into the church where she works, which class is going on?
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What is the name of the man Fard speaks of who supposedly created the white race?
What is the name of the man Fard speaks of who supposedly created the white race?
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What does Lefty start doing to make some extra money during the Depression?
What does Lefty start doing to make some extra money during the Depression?
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Who replaces Fard after his arrest as the Supreme Minister of the Nation of Islam?
Who replaces Fard after his arrest as the Supreme Minister of the Nation of Islam?
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What kind of car does Fard/Jimmy drive out to leave (the last time Desdemona sees him)?
What kind of car does Fard/Jimmy drive out to leave (the last time Desdemona sees him)?
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After Desdemona meets with Fard, what does she do?
After Desdemona meets with Fard, what does she do?
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Where does Cal pick up Julie for their date?
Where does Cal pick up Julie for their date?
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Where do Julie and Cal go to dinner for their first date?
Where do Julie and Cal go to dinner for their first date?
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How old is Julie when Cal meets her?
How old is Julie when Cal meets her?
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Where does Milton get transferred (to be a cadet) after he works shortly as a signalman?
Where does Milton get transferred (to be a cadet) after he works shortly as a signalman?
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Sourmelina Zizmo is not just Cal's first cousin twice removed. She is also his...
Sourmelina Zizmo is not just Cal's first cousin twice removed. She is also his...
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Ex ovo omnia means...
Ex ovo omnia means...
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Dr. Philobosian believes in _______, which says that all humankind had existed in miniature since creation (either through Adam or Eve).
Dr. Philobosian believes in _______, which says that all humankind had existed in miniature since creation (either through Adam or Eve).
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The disease Chapter Eleven is diagnosed with later in his life is called...
The disease Chapter Eleven is diagnosed with later in his life is called...
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Where are Milton and Tessie stationed when Chapter Eleven is born?
Where are Milton and Tessie stationed when Chapter Eleven is born?
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Zoë and Father Mike get married and go to live in Greece in 1949, where they remain for ___ years.
Zoë and Father Mike get married and go to live in Greece in 1949, where they remain for ___ years.
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What is the name of Milton's restaurant chain?
What is the name of Milton's restaurant chain?
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Ultimately, Hercules Hot Dogs has __ locations.
Ultimately, Hercules Hot Dogs has __ locations.
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Who are the first two people Milton hires at the diner?
Who are the first two people Milton hires at the diner?
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At a Theosophical Society meeting, Sourmelina meets a woman named _________ (who joined in hopes of contacting her dead husband) and moves down to the Southwest with her.
At a Theosophical Society meeting, Sourmelina meets a woman named _________ (who joined in hopes of contacting her dead husband) and moves down to the Southwest with her.
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Locations
- Detroit: The primary setting for a majority of the narrative, reflecting the city's cultural and social dynamics.
- Calliope Helen Stephanides (Cal): Cal's name on birth certificate; represents the exploration of identity.
- Lefty (Eleutherios): Cal’s grandfather; emigrated from Bithynios, Greece, seeking a new life.
- Desdemona (Aristos): Cal's grandmother; her experiences reflect the immigrant narrative.
Important Events and Timeline
- January 1960: Month when Callie is born, signifying a key moment in the family's history.
- August 31, 1922: Date Lefty and Desdemona left Bithynios amid political turmoil.
- World War I and Ethnic Conflict: Desdemona and Lefty's parents perish in the war with the Turks, highlighting the impact of war on families.
Family Ties and Relationships
- Clementine Stark: Moves away after her father's heart attack, indicating the fragility of family units.
- Milton and Tessie: Children of Lefty and Desdemona; Milton continues the family legacy.
- Chapter Eleven: Milton's son who inherits the family hot dog business.
Social and Cultural Context
- Father Gregorios: Becomes the priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church after Father Mike is not promoted, reflecting the church's influence in their lives.
- Mayor Coleman A. Young: First black mayor in Detroit, pivotal to understanding the political landscape of the time.
- Cultural Institutions: Characters engage with various organizations like the YWCA and Theosophical Society, which reflect their social aspirations.
Symbolism and Themes
- Intersex Identity: Cal notes that there are 137,000 intersexuals alive today, addressing themes of gender and identity.
- Immigration and Adaptation: Lefty's journey from Greece to America symbolizes the immigrant experience and cultural shifts.
- Food as Identity: Desdemona fills her time cooking, highlighting how food ties the family to their heritage.
Miscellaneous Facts
- Dr. Philobosian: The family physician whose past and experiences reflect the challenges faced by immigrants.
- Lingerie Parisienne: Catalogue used by Desdemona to instruct her daughters, illustrating societal and familial expectations of femininity.
- Crohn's disease: Diagnosed to Chapter Eleven later in life, addressing health challenges within the narrative.
Unique Tidbits
- Fard and the Nation of Islam: Introduces themes of faith and social justice, significantly impacting Desdemona's community involvement.
- The Minotaur: Theater production that leads to the conception of Milton and Tessie, symbolizing how art intersects with life events.
- Jimmy Zizmo: A character embodying the complexities of race and economic strife, indicating the intermingling of different cultural backgrounds in Detroit.
Final Notes on Structure
- Memoir Writing: Cal begins writing at age 41, which serves as a framing device for the story, interweaving past and present experiences.
- Hercules Hot Dogs: Milton’s restaurant chain with 66 locations reflects the rise and fall of immigrant enterprises in America.
This detailed overview captures the essence of key elements in the narrative, emphasizing main characters, critical events, and underlying themes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of 'Middlesex' with these flashcards. Covering key characters, settings, and important dates, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the novel's themes and plot. Perfect for students and fans alike!
