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. In Chapter 13, what does Liza tell Brock is her reason for sailing to Macao?

2. Who is known as the Tai-Pan of Tai Ping Shan?

3. When Dirk first visits the settlement, who sends a messenger requesting to see him immediately?

4. Who replaces Ah-Gip as May-may's servant?

5. What does Dirk insist Culum begin to do regularly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dirk surprised to see Wu Fang Choi's ship in Hong Kong waters?

2. How does Gordon Chen build up the Hung Mun in Hong Kong?

3. Why does Dirk have to be very careful when he travels to visit Jin-qua?

4. Why does Dirk view Hong Kong as a valuable prize?

5. What does Dirk do to keep the bullion on board his ship a secret when he reaches Hong Kong?

6. How does Dirk feel about the way Culum solves the problem of the knoll?

7. As Zergeyev is judging the gown contest, why does he try to find out who Dirk favors?

8. When Brock is dressing for the ball, what does he try to hide from Liza?

9. What does Dirk believe he will be able to do if he gets the trade monopoly in Russia?

10. Why do the Chinese consider Ti-sen a traitor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several instances of symbolism in Tai-Pan, such as the half coins and the relationship between Dirk and May-may. Discuss the presence of symbolism in the novel, including what the symbols are and what they stand for.

Essay Topic 2

What examples of marriage are portrayed in Tai-Pan? What seems to be the overall view of marriage based on these examples? Does the author use marriages with a purpose in mind? What is the purpose?

Essay Topic 3

What views of women are presented in this book? How do May-may, Mary Sinclair, Liza, and Tess represent those views?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 621 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample