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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 symbol of a band of robbers does Wang Lung's uncle wear inside his coat?

2. How much money does Wang Lung pay Ching as steward on Wang Lung's farm in Chapter 17?

3. How old is Wang Lung's youngest daughter in Chapter 25?

4. What does Wang Lung's aunt say Lotus "reeks of" when she helps her into her chambers in Chapter 20?

5. How does O-lan explain her growing illness to Wang Lung in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Wang Lung respond when O-lan warns him of his eldest son visiting Lotus in Chapter 24?

2. What does Wang Lung's young cousin do that causes conflict in Wang Lung's house in Chapter 31?

3. What causes Wang Lung to become restless in Chapter 18?

4. How is Lotus Flower described on the picture in the tea shop in Chapter 18?

5. What is at the root of the conflict between O-lan and Cuckoo in Chapter 21?

6. How does Wang Lung respond when he discovers his eldest son in Lotus's court in Chapter 24?

7. What impact does O-lan's illness have on Wang Lung's household in Chapter 26?

8. What does Wang Lung do in preparation for Lotus's arrival at his home in Chapter 20? How is his behavior affected?

9. How would you describe Wang Lung's sons in Chapter 30? How are each of his sons different?

10. How have Wang Lung's business, circumstances, and fate changed in the beginning of Chapter 17?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of superstition, faith, and luck in The Good Earth. What symbolism relates to these themes? What color is symbolic for fortune and luck to Wang Lung? How are these themes developed through character and setting in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of O-lan in The Good Earth. How old is O-lan when she is sold into slavery? What leads to O-lan’s marriage to Wang Lung? Do you think that O-lan is happy to be married? Why or why not? How does O-lan’s character evolve in the course of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the plot structure of The Good Earth. Where does the exposition transition to rising action? Where does the climax take place? What are the conflicts that the protagonist faces in the climax? How are these conflicts resolved in the denouement?

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