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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 does David think about concerning Ma?

2. Where does Miller feel he is safe?

3. How does David deal with Tang?

4. What does Hulan realize as she is saying goodbye to David?

5. Why does Miller have a sexual relationship with Lily?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hulan know about her and David after he leaves for Hong Kong and what does she resolve to do?

2. What does Hulan learn from Hom about what he plans to do and why he plans to do it?

3. What does David show to Wu's widow? What do David and the widow do? What does she offer David?

4. With whom does David meet at Cosgrove's? What does David tell this person? What is this person's response?

5. What does Hulan say to Angela when she visits her again, and what does Angela say to Hulan's questions about when she arrived in China?

6. What does David see Ma and Fitzwilliams doing, and what does Ma ask David to do?

7. Where do Hulan and Michael go after lunch, and what does she hear? What does Michael do?

8. Who is David surprised to find at the auction and what does he do with him?

9. Why is Tang angry at the end of the bidding for the ruyi? What does he do, and what does David realize about Tang? What does David do when Tang leaves the auction?

10. What does Hulan ask Stuart about after David leaves for Hong Kong, and what does he tell her about Lily and about himself and artifacts?

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

It is clear from the beginning that David loves his wife dearly, and realizes she is suffering from guilt. He, too, questions his role in his daughter's death, and has additional pain as his wife pulls away from him in an effort to protect herself from her pain. David gave up his own dreams for those of his wife and child, and while he forgives Hulan, he does recognize his own sacrifices are often overlooked by her.

1. Discuss ways you think David might be able to pull Hulan out of her guilt. Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think parents feel guilty when a child dies when it is medically not their fault? Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

3. How do you think a person's partner not noticing sacrifices would eventually affect a relationship? Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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