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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. When Ts'ui-hsien's husband goes to jail, what happens to him?

2. How cold is it the night that Jen quarrels with his wife?

3. Who kills the murderer that was protected by correct officials?

4. How far away is T'an-ch'eng from Jen's house?

5. What is a job that Jen's wife can do as a single woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Jen's punishment lessened and what does it say about the Chinese system?

2. What is Chinese law regarding adultery?

3. How does Kao defend himself at the trial for the murder of Wang?

4. Why do you think Spence named the book The Death of Woman Wang?

5. Describe Ts'ui Meng in The Feud.

6. How does Ts'ui-hsien outwit her husband through magic?

7. How does Ts'ui Meng react to a wife murdering her husband and his mother and what does his mother do to appease the situation?

8. What does he monk urge Ts'ui Meng to do for his own safety?

9. Why is Jen able to survive the beating?

10. How does Ts'ui Meng try to avenge injustices meted out to Li?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spence frequently describes the importance of virtue in relationship to widows. He points out that virtue is sometimes prompted by a desire for honor. Is this real virtue? Why or why not? Is this desire linked to cultural norms or human pride or both?

Essay Topic 2

Spence is a master at dramatic devices. Describe the symbolism, metaphors, and irony present in Wang's dream and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title, The Death of Woman Wang? Why did Spence choose this as the title? Do you think this choice is appropriate? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 692 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample