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. What is in the secret report Dirk finds in the briefcase that worries him?

2. What is Aristotle the first to call Culum?

3. What makes Gordon angry about Dirk confronting him regarding the Triads?

4. Where do Culum and Dirk agree to have dinner together in Chapter 41?

5. Where does the bishop say he was when the bark cured his malaria?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 49, why does Zergeyev think the Russians will now be able to dominate China?

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

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

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

5. Why does Dirk remind Gorth that it is against the law to murder a prostitute?

6. What causes the wages and costs in Hong Kong to rise above Dirk's expectations?

7. Why does Dirk think Culum should spend more time with Jeff Cooper.

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

9. May-may presents Yin-hsi to Dirk as a birthday gift. What is the real reason she gives the girl to Dirk?

10. When Dirk and Brock meet to fight at the knoll, why do they begin to talk about the weather?

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

Essay Topic 3

Why do Dirk and Brock decide to form their uneasy truce? What leads to the truce? Why is it important for these two characters to come to some sort of understanding? What might have happened if they had not called a truce?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 599 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample