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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 does Charlie Wu do for a living?

2. Kitty is delighted to be invited to Yolanda Amanjiwo's dinner. Why is she upset when she leaves?

3. What saves Su Yi from being tortured or killed by the brutal colonel?

4. Su Yi dreams she is in India. What is she doing?

5. What pattern emerges in Astrid's life in Part Two?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Nick arrives at Tyersall Park?

2. What is the narrative perspective of the novel? Why is this perspective important?

3. What is the purpose of the three problems discussed in the Prologue?

4. Despite her concern for her grandmother, where does Astrid go?

5. In Part One, Chapter One, what is foreshadowed by Charlie's concern about Isabel's missed doctor's appointment?

6. How is the Bible study group described in Part One, Chapter Two?

7. How does Eddie treat his mother when she tries to contradict him about Su Yi's wishes?

8. Mabel Shang holds a grudge against Charlie Wu's mother, Irene. What is behind her lingering anger?

9. What do Nick and Astrid have in common?

10. Su Yi gives Nick a gift for Rachel. What is the gift and what does it signify?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Su Yi was given a medal by the King of England for her valor during World War II. Why does Su Yi not seem to care about the medal? How does her attitude reveal what she truly values?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of jealousy in the novel. What actions occur in the novel as a result of jealousy? Which characters demonstrate jealousy? What is the underlying motivation for their jealousy?

Essay Topic 3

There are three generations of the Young family in the novel. How does a multi-generational perspective support the story's plot? Does each generation have their own problems? Compare and contrast the three generations.

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