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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 are sparrows, rats, insects, and flies considered?

2. What is pinned to Yong's chest?

3. Why does Tao insult Joy after she gives birth?

4. What will Feng Tao supposedly do in Shanghai?

5. How has Joy been feeling physically lately?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are indications that the famine caused by The Great Leap Forward is progressing horribly?

2. What gives Joy hope as she boils her new shoes?

3. What do Dun and Pearl race to do and what does Pearl decide?

4. What contest does the Brigade leader announce and how does the contest contribute to the food shortage?

5. What does Pearl find has arrived one day after returning from work?

6. Why does Pearl work alongside Yong?

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

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

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

10. What war has broken out in the commune?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 "Dreams of Joy" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Dreams of Joy" 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?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Dreams of Joy", questions that See most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the See's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss See's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of See and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

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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