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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 will Feng Tao supposedly do in Shanghai?

2. Why is Pearl upset to hear that Joy is pregnant?

3. Where does Tao's mother send Joy when she begins contractions?

4. What does the brigade leader have Yong do?

5. What is valued over performance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What war has broken out in the commune?

2. Why does Pearl work alongside Yong?

3. What does Joy say in a letter to Pearl, and what is Pearl's reaction?

4. What happens that restores the closeness between Joy and Pearl?

5. What crop is to be planted the following year and why is this a poor decision?

6. What is Tao's reaction to his new daughter and what does Joy decide about the child's name?

7. How does Joy react to the spectacle the Brigade leader makes of Yong, and how does she display courage?

8. What does the brigade leader say about Yong, and what does he make Yong do?

9. What does Pearl send Joy and what does Joy do with the articles?

10. What does Dun confess to Pearl, and what is her reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Dreams of Joy" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Joy. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Pearl. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Z. G. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Tao. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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