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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. Whom does David realize is Xiao Da?

2. What does Angela think her brother may have found?

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

4. What does Miller say to Hulan concerning his connection to Chinese artifacts?

5. What is Angela's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. With whom does David sit during the auction? What is explained to David? Who bids on the ruyi?

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

4. What does the gate watcher at the compound tell Hulan?

5. What does Stuart tell David about the ruyi, and what does David realize about Michael Quon?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. How does Stuart feel about the dam project and why does he think it is a good project?

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

10. What does Hulan finally realize about the courtyard? What does she ask Angela to do?

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

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Dragon Bones is successful as a detective novel? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of Lisa See's books? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not.

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)

This section contains 1,250 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample