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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 Miller say about Brian in relation to Lily?

2. From what does Michael say Hulan's career protects her?

3. What is swelling mold?

4. Where does David tell Fitzwilliams some of the items to be auctioned originated?

5. What does Michael say is the reason he dropped the flashlight?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to David right after the auction? Who helps him?

2. 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?

3. What does David do as soon as he realizes Stuart is in danger?

4. What does Hulan do with Michael after she leaves Hom, and what does he tell her?

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

6. 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?

7. With what does Brian become obsessed, and what does he realize about the geographic layout of the land at Site 518?

8. How does Michael act during dinner with Hulan, and what does he talk about?

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

10. What does Angela say about Brian's notebook? What does she think about his death? What does Hulan ask her to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Liu Hulan is a rare and powerful figure in China as a woman of wealth in a power position with the most feared political group, the Ministry of Public Security. From her deals with the heads of state to her father to her upbringing and her current position, Hulan has led a life few in China even dream of having.

1. What do you think the above statement suggests about the role of women in China. Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss some of the reasons the Ministry of Public Security would be feared in a country with a totalitarian government. Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

3. How do you think turning her own father in as a criminal affected Hulan as a person? Use examples from Dragon Bones and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In any detective novel, there are clues that point both to the real criminal(s) versus those that are designed to mislead the readers in order to add suspense. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze 5 clues that are designed to let the astute reader figure out who is the criminal(s).

2. Trace and analyze 5 clues that are designed to mislead even the astute reader in figuring out who is the criminal(s).

3. Do you enjoy being mislead in a mystery/suspense novel? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

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."

(see the answer keys)

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