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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 finally makes Tu Tzu-chun break his silence?

2. What signed document states that Chinese and Americans could freely travel, trade, and live in either country?

3. Who is Chan Moong Gut in "The Great Grandfather of the Sandalwood Mountains"?

4. What sight does the bird see that causes it to start laughing?

5. Which character from Kingston's folktales in China Men suffers the most?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think this chapter "On Fathers" takes place in China or in America? Give reasons for your choice, citing examples from the text.

2. Explain how the author uses foreshadowing in the first two lines of "On Mortality."

3. What is the purpose for making Tang Ao's capture so easy it could be done by women?

4. Describe the tenets of the philosophy of living multiple lives until you learn an important lesson.

5. Describe the basis of the queue tax.

6. Compare and contrast the genre used for "On Discovery" and for "On Fathers."

7. Describe how the widow in "The Ghostmate" uses the young man's talents against him.

8. Describe the way the women pierce Tang Ao's ears and what they do to keep the holes open. Include examples of sensory details the author uses in the text.

9. What is the significance of the long path that leads to the widow's house in "The Ghostmate"?

10. Describe the elements of fantasy Kingston uses to characterize Maui the Trickster in "On Mortality Again."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kingston provides several examples of the use of the color red by Chinese. What does the color red symbolize for Chinese people? In what ways do Chinese people integrate the color red into their lives?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Kingston makes reference to the different cultures living within China, including the Cantonese, the Han, and later the Mandarin. Explain the references that the author makes to each ethnicity and provide the context in which she is describing it. Which one is Kingston? How do you know?

Essay Topic 3

Tell about the evolution of Kingston's Chinese family from one that practices solely Chinese customs to one practicing Americanized customs. For example, how many generations pass before Kingston's family evolves from adhering to arranged marriages to its first self-selected marriage. Discuss the reluctance of Kingston's Mother to let go of her Chinese traditions or superstitions. Describe the condition of the Chinese American in California with family still living in China.

(see the answer keys)

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