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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. How long is the indenture agreement for the men who arrive with Captain Scragger?

2. How long does it take the British to recapture Canton?

3. Where do all of the traders decide to go if they are attacked by the Chinese?

4. What does May-may help Mary Sinclair to arrange?

5. Who wins the ball gown contest?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the stakes in the wager that Dirk and Zergeyev make on the prize fight?

2. As Zergeyev is judging the gown contest, why does he try to find out who Dirk favors?

3. Why isn't Sarah able to attend Dirk's ball?

4. Why does Brock panic when Dirk pays his debt to Brock in silver?

5. Why doesn't Dirk want to move their operations out of Happy Valley?

6. How does Brock know about Dirk's financial problems?

7. What is Dirk's reason for firing Captain Perry?

8. Why does Dirk oppose Longstaff's idea of evacuating Happy Valley?

9. What does Brock do that causes Dirk to accuse him of piracy?

10. Why does Dirk have to be very careful when he travels to visit Jin-qua?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dirk Straun is the hero of this story. What does it mean to be a hero? How does Dirk fit the definition of a hero? What are some of his heroic acts?

Essay Topic 2

The rivalry between Dirk and Brock is enormous and is responsible for much of the action in the book. Why are these two characters such bitter rivals? What led to their current relationship and how does their relationship affect their companies and families?

Essay Topic 3

What is the importance of honor in Chinese society? What role do honor and dignity play in Tai-Pan? How are they portrayed? Who shows honor and/or dignity? How?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 568 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample