View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the white dog belong to?

2. For Tet, what offerings are left with a photo of Ton?

3. What happened after Ton's mother and sister were denounced?

4. What minority region does Ton end up in?

5. What major city does Que decide to move to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hang perceive the snow?

2. What was a typical breakfast for Hang?

3. Describe Madame Vera's relationship with Hang.

4. What happens when a tavern is built in their neighborhood?

5. What reminds Ton of his previous life with Que?

6. Why does Que leave the village?

7. What realization does Ton have about the food vendor and his half-wit wife?

8. Describe Hang's grandfather's house.

9. How does Hang feel about the telegram?

10. What is the significance of the song Hang's roommate plays on the record player?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ton allegedly committed suicide when his new wife refused to let him return to Hanoi for Hang's birth. Tam says that it was because he could endure anything but shame. How has Ton been shamed in this situation? Is suicide shameful? How has his shame been passed on to Hang?

Essay Topic 2

At the start of the book, Hang goes to visit her sick uncle, even when she is not feeling well herself, because of a strong sense of familial obligation. At the end of the book, Hang decides to sell her Aunt Tam's house and leave behind "crimes of the past" and an unhappy legacy. Does her decision to sell the house contradict her sense of familial obligation? Has Hang changed over the course of the book? In what ways? Cite specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Aunt Tam is obviously very financially successful. She is able to provide material things for Hang that Que cannot. However, Aunt Tam is also alone and bitter. How does money help Tam cope with problems in her life? Do you think money buys happiness?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample