View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For the speaker in "Terpischore: Choral Dance," which of the following cannot happen?

2. What is the last sound described in "Polymnia: Sacred Poetry"?

3. How does the woman in "Polymnia: Sacred Poetry" secure the package she gives to the girl?

4. What does the speaker compare memory to in 'Retour'?

5. According to the letter, where is Mr. Reardon's last known location?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the woman's feelings regarding the telephone in "Thalia: Comedy."

2. Discuss the opening lines of "Terpischore: Choral Dance." What is the general impression you gain from these lines? ("You remain dismembered...apart from the congregation.")

3. Describe the earth in "Terpischore: Choral Dance."

4. Discuss the narrator's treatment of memory in "Elitere: Lyric Poetry."

5. Discuss the ending of "Terpischore: Choral Dance." What sentiment do the closing lines leave you with?

6. How does speech relate to memory in "Elitere: Lyric Poetry"?

7. Discuss the ending of the work. Why does it end with a child looking out a window?

8. Describe the woman's relationship with the person on the telephone in "Thalia: Comedy."

9. Identify one central symbol of "Terpischore: Choral Dance" and discuss its relevance.

10. Describe the image at the opening of "Terpischore: Choral Dance."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Language and the power of speech recur as central needs throughout the work. Often the act of speech or the need to communicate becomes the central focus of particular passages or entire sections. Analyze Cha's treatment of speech and language in the work. Is the power of speech celebrated? Is silence championed? How do the pressures of language acquisition factor into her commentary on language and communication? How do the pressures of immigrant or exile identity affect speech and language?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Cha's use of Greek mythology throughout the work. Why does she incorporate the nine Muses as a structuring element of the work? How does this contribute to the overall message of the work? Why does she select nine female figures? How does her use of the Muses align the work with other classics of Western tradition? Why is this significant?

Essay Topic 3

Cha makes repeated allusions to the intervention of various outside forces in the politics and lives of the Korean people. Discuss Cha's commentary on imperialism and neo-imperialist policies. Does she seem to support international intervention in the so-called civil war in Korea? Does she wish assistance had arrived sooner? In Cha's work, how does the international involvement in the Korean War conflict compare to the Japanese occupation during and after World War II?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample