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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 seems obvious when Hulan finds Lily's body?

2. For whom does Hulan send?

3. What is Hulan's husband doing as she is in Tienanmen Square?

4. What is the All Patriotic Society?

5. What did Hulan once fail to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the river in the prologue?

2. What does Ma tell Liu about the missing relics in Chapter 6?

3. What does Hulan do when the local security forces arrive at Lily's bedroom?

4. How does Hulan think Lily's death is related to Hulan?

5. What does Hulan find out when she interviews Catherine about Lily's death?

6. Who is Hulan required to visit in Chapter 2, and what does he tell her to do?

7. What are David and Hulan told at their meeting with Zai?

8. What does Michael say when Hulan interviews him?

9. Who do Liu and David meet at lunch the first day in Bashan?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Dragon Bones and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Dragon Bones is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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