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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. Why do they put metal blinders on the water buffalo?

2. According to Auntie Hu, how can Pearl reclaim many of her old belongings?

3. Who is waiting for Pearl in her bedroom?

4. Why is Joy not supposed to be pleased with her performance?

5. Why does Joy think she will never leave the commune?

Short Essay Questions

1. What assignment is Joy given in the village, and why?

2. What does Pearl find when she goes to her childhood home?

3. What does Pearl do every morning for a job and what does she find as she is performing her duties?

4. What does Pearl think about how she can get into China and who helps her?

5. Where are Joy and Z. G. going after leaving the Green Dragon Village and what does Z. G. say Joy will have the opportunity to do?

6. With who does Pearl regularly correspond and how does she help Pearl?

7. Describe Joy's trip to China.

8. What is the Great Leap Forward and what does China hope to accomplish with it?

9. What does Pearl think about concerning Joy's father, Z. G.?

10. How does Joy get into China?

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 books 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 him in writing "Dreams of Joy"? What may have influenced the way he 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

Over the course of "Dreams of Joy", Joy grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Dreams of Joy" might be considered a slice of Joy's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that "Dreams of Joy" is a "bildungsroman" of Joy. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Joy as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Joy?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Joy's growth throughout "Dreams of Joy", do you think "Dreams of Joy" could be considered Joy's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Dreams of Joy" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Dreams of Joy" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Dreams of Joy" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Dreams of Joy" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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