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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 is the reason given against Yu-cun arresting Xue?

2. Who is brought to life by a magical fictional stone?

3. Why does Dai-yu get upset in Chapter 8?

4. What is the subject of the conversation Zhen Shi-yin overhears in his dream?

5. Who does the headmaster leave in charge of the school while he is on leave?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is the fact that Dai-yu is offered flowers last in Chapter 7 a reasonable reflection of her status in the house at that time?

2. In what ways is more of Xi-feng's character revealed in her thoughts about Qin-shi and her dealings with Jia Rui?

3. How does the story of Jia Rui teach a lesson about undue lust?

4. Explain the symbol of Greensickness Peak in relation to the rest of the novel.

5. Why would Dai-yu find it strange that Xi-feng appears to be in charge of household affairs?

6. What events surrounding the trial in Chapter 4 illustrate further the Jia family's decline?

7. How does the connection between Bao-yu and Bao-chai deepen in Chapter 7?

8. Despite his limited presence, what becomes clear about Bao-yu during the first few episodes that involve him?

9. Upon their first meeting, do Bao-yu and Dai-yu feel a connection with each other? If so, how is it shown?

10. How does the author make it clear in Chapter 1 that the reader should expect an element of the supernatural in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the central dramatic device of the novel, the love triangle between Bao-yu, Dai-yu and Bao-chai, and how it is used to generate conflict and drama and to maintain the reader's interest.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following characters and discuss his or her relationship with and impact upon Bao-yu.

• Xi-feng

• Aroma

• Qin-shi

• Qin Zhong

Essay Topic 3

Explore the role of sex and sexuality in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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