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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. Why is Yuan proud of Ai-lan?

2. Why doesn't Ai-lan's mother trust Wu?

3. Who meets Yuan when he debarks from the train?

4. When Yuan wakes up on the train, what does he find the train has stopped next to?

5. Which of the following does Yuan bring back with him from America?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Mary's description, is Yuan enthusiastic or idealistic?

2. Why does Yuan accept Meng's proposal to come work in the new capital city?

3. What does Yuan learn about his father's financial situation when he visits?

4. How does Yuan incorporate his love of the land with teaching? What are his student's reactions?

5. Why does Yuan grow to like Mei-ling?

6. What is the bad news that Mary's family delivers to Yuan?

7. Yuan claims that the American people hide their poor because they are ashamed. Why might Yuan be considered hypocritical when he uses this argument?

8. Does Yuan want to have a romantic relationship with Mary?

9. When Yuan is on the train to visit his father, what kind of people does he notice sitting around him?

10. What is Yuan thankful to Mary for as he leaves America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the ways in which Yuan is like Wang the Tiger. How is this shown in his behavior towards others, especially women? How is this shown in the way he views tradition versus revolution? Cite at least three examples from the novel to support your case.

Essay Topic 2

Yuan feels shame many times in the novel. Citing three examples from the text to support your argument, what are some of the times that Yuan feels shame? Why does he feel this shame? How does Yuan's shame develop or dwindle throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Yuan's life in China to his life in America. How does Yuan's perception of the events around him affect the way he lives? What is Yuan's quality of life like in each location? Are Yuan's opinions of both America and China accurate? Why or why not? Cite at least five examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 957 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample