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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. Who threatens to charge Culum with treason if he doesn't deliver Dirk's papers to him?

2. When Dirk arrives at the harbor master's office, where are Tess and Culum?

3. Where does Brock plan to ride out the storm?

4. What does Brock apologize to Dirk for when they are at the knoll together?

5. What does Skinner lose in the storm?

Short Essay Questions

1. After the typhoon, how does Skinner plan to publish the next issue of his paper?

2. How is the White Witch damaged in Chapter 45?

3. Why do the Russians feel they must control China?

4. During the storm, how does one of Dirk's sailors die?

5. What does Dirk think is the reason Culum cannot remember where he was in Macao?

6. Why does Dirk think the bishop might have cinchona bark?

7. How will Dirk and the others know when the eye of the storm is centered over Hong Kong?

8. As Dirk and Captain Orlov sail back to Hong Kong in Chapter 42, why do they think they're getting old?

9. What does May-may say will happen to Yin-hsi if Dirk sends her away?

10. Why does Dirk instruct Gordon Chen to form a spy system?

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

Gordon Chen is Dirk's son just as Culum is, yet he isn't even considered as an heir for The Noble House. Why? What is different about Gordon Chen in comparison to Culum that makes him a poor choice for the future tai pan?

Essay Topic 3

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

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This section contains 547 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample