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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 didn't Shen Fu and his friend Hsin-yueh do during the course of their friendship, according to Shen Fu?

2. What was the more offensive name which Shen Fu's family gave to Yun when they were together?

3. While the scent of the flowers overcame much of the dinner, what was the one ingredient which could not be overcome?

4. Who thinks the illness is the result of the young girl that Yun had found for Shen Fu's father?

5. What color is the rock that is as big as a bed, so Hung-kan lays on it when he and Shen Fu are resting in the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Yun do so that their children were going to be able to stay warm in the cold months?

2. What happened when money began to be tight for Yun and Shen Fu, according to Shen Fu's writings?

3. Why was Yun cast out of the house, according to the writings of Shen Fu?

4. What did Shen Fu's mother say when she found out the Yun was writing letters which were supposed to be from her to Yun's father in law?

5. What did Shen Fu's mother think about Yun finding Chia-fu a concubine?

6. What happens when the others seem to accuse Shen Fu and Yun of so many things which end up being misunderstandings?

7. Why wasn't it a good idea to feed the novice at the monastery, according to Shen Fu?

8. What happens when Shen Fu and his friend Hung-kan decide to climb Han Mountain together?

9. What does Shen Fu seem to think about the presence of Hsi-erh in his life when Yun is away?

10. What does Feng-sen know when he is sent away for an apprenticeship, though he is never told this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Yun is cast out of the house after she tries to make good in a situation.

Part 1: Why do you think Yun is always cast as being a bad person in Shen Fu's family?

Part 2: How do you think you might respond if someone cast you out of your family?

Part 3: Do you think that Yun is a bad person? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

For a while, Shen Fu considers the life of a monk and a life of solitude, though he realizes that community is not for him.

Part 1: Why do you think Shen Fu wanted to have the life of solitude at one time?

Part 2: Do you think you would enjoy a life of solitude if it were possible for you?

Part 3: What are some of the benefits of living a solitude life, a life of prayer and devotion?

Essay Topic 3

As she is dying, Yun talks to her husband about how she asked for too much in her life and lived like a goddess when she was with him.

Part 1: Do you think it's possible to ask for too much from life?

Part 2: Why do you think Yun feels guilty, or so it seems, about the way her life has been so good to her?

Part 3: How do you think you would respond if someone spoke to you like this?

(see the answer keys)

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