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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 Lily paint on the fan after she has read third-day books for Snow Flower?

2. Who is so unsteady on her feet that she has to use a cane?

3. Why does Lily think she and Snow Flower are in danger after Beautiful Moon dies?

4. What does Snow Flower write to Lily about before they meet?

5. Whose father takes the pipe too often?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does having a laotong relationship with Snow Flower mean to Lily's family?

2. What does Madame Wang suggest is the reason Lily is not invited to Snow Flower's home?

3. At the beginning of the novel, what does Lily say interests her now?

4. What happens when Beautiful Moon gets stung by a bee?

5. What story does Aunt tell the girls about nu shu?

6. Why does Lily feel betrayed by her mother?

7. Describe Snow Flower's personality.

8. What does Madame Wang suggest about Lily having a laotong?

9. Is Lily worried about the note Snow Flower sends with the fan when Lily leaves her home for her wedding?

10. What does Lily remember about being five and wading in the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lily says she wrote down the stories of the village women so they could place some value on their lives. How does she do the same for herself? What one thing does Lily wish others to remember about her?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the idyllic scene before Beautiful Moon dies. What does Lily say is the reason that Beautiful Moon dies? How does her death affect Lily?

Essay Topic 3

Women are described in the novel as a "worthless branch" and weak. How does Lily show strength and value throughout her life as a daughter, wife, mother, and friend? How does she continue to become a stronger person as she ages?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample