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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. With whom does Hulan make a deal five years earlier?

2. How does Ma react to news of Lily's death?

3. What seems obvious when Hulan finds Lily's body?

4. Who is cocky as Hulan begins the interview?

5. What did Hulan once fail to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Hulan tries to stop a woman from hurting her daughter in the square?

2. What unofficial position does Hulan have in China and why?

3. What does Hulan do after receiving her first assignment in Chapter 1?

4. Who does Hulan interview about Lily?

5. What was Hulan expected to do as her part of the bargain in question #3?

6. What does Xiao Da say at the Society meeting and what happens to David and Hulan at the meeting? What does Hulan think is the reason she was sent to Site 518?

7. What is David, Hulan's husband, doing while she is at the square? What does he do when he sees her on television?

8. What is Liu Hulan doing at the opening of Chapter 1?

9. Where do David, Hulan, and Ma go in Chapter 6? What do they see there?

10. What does Brian's sister tell them about him, what does Lily say when she joins them in conversation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Lisa See.

2. What in See's background may have helped See in writing Dragon Bones? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Most mystery novels have an element of fear and suspense. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of fear in Dragon Bones. Use specific examples to support your ideas. In what ways is fear felt? Who feels fearful? Why?

2. Why do you think many people enjoy getting scared? For example--in spook houses at Halloween or by reading mystery/suspense novels that contain an element of fear?

3. Are there any things any of the characters are afraid of within their control to change? What? Why do you think the characters have not addressed those issues?

4. Discuss whether or not you enjoy the experience of being scared when you know it is not "real."

Essay Topic 3

Dragon Bones, like most novels in the detective genre, involves police officers and police work. Discuss the following:

1. What are the characteristics of an effective police officer?

2. What additional characteristics does a police detective need?

3. Base upon the criteria in #1, 2 above, discuss the following characters and analyze whether you think they are effective police officers and/or detectives: Hulan, David, Hom, Zai, and Su.

(see the answer keys)

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