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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Yu-cun feel uncomfortable around the usher?
(a) Because the usher has killed his friend.
(b) Because he overheard the usher plotting against him.
(c) Because the usher is his uncle.
(d) Because he knew Yu-cun before he was high ranking.

2. What is the goddess in the opening chapter in the middle of doing?
(a) Praying.
(b) Mending the sky.
(c) Choosing a husband.
(d) Reading a book.

3. During what affair is Dai-yu seated at a place of honor?
(a) The blessing of the hall.
(b) The liturgy.
(c) Supper.
(d) The wedding.

4. What is Bao-yu's first question to Dai-yu?
(a) If she has seen the stone in the pond.
(b) If she is married.
(c) Whether she has a green jade like him.
(d) If she fancies him.

5. How long did Feng Yuan wait to marry the girl in which he was interested?
(a) One year.
(b) Three days.
(c) Five weeks.
(d) Ten years.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Grandmother Jia and family invited to?

2. Who does Bao-yu take an opportunity to go and visit at the start of Chapter 8?

3. Who does Bao-yu cry out to in order to help him when he is dreaming?

4. What do the more ill-bred students do in light of the headmaster's absence?

5. What item of Bao-yu's does Bao-chai want a closer look at when he visits her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explore the significance of Bao-yu's inability to understand the songs the fairies sing to him about his family history, how to improve himself, and the fates of the women of the household.

2. How is the divide between rich and poor developed in Chapter 2?

3. How does the story of Jia Rui teach a lesson about undue lust?

4. Discuss briefly the ways in which Dai-yu's personality is developed during her first days in the Jia household.

5. Explore the meaning/possible symbolism behind Bao-yu's experience in the dream in Chapter 5.

6. Despite his limited presence, what becomes clear about Bao-yu during the first few episodes that involve him?

7. In what way does Dai-yu express her jealousy and somewhat obsessive attitude towards Bao-yu in the beginning of Chapter 9?

8. Hypothesize over the influence Bao-yu's father has on him despite his consistently disapproving attitude towards Bao-yu.

9. How does the connection between Bao-yu and Bao-chai deepen in Chapter 7?

10. What is your opinion of Aroma's decision to allow Bao-yu to "have his way" with her following her discovery of his dream?

(see the answer keys)

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