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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. What does Yu-cun let the family know about the murder case?
(a) That they will need to come to court.
(b) That they are indicted until the case is closed.
(c) That they will need to pay a large sum of money.
(d) That the matter of the murder has been cleared up.

2. Where does Bao-yu beg to go with Xi-feng in Chapter 7?
(a) To visit Bao-chai.
(b) The Imperial Palace.
(c) The Ning Mansion.
(d) The Temple of the Iron Threshold.

3. Who performs Disenchantment's A Dream of Golden Days for Bao-yu?
(a) The fairies.
(b) The sorcerer.
(c) Bao-chai.
(d) Dai-yu.

4. What is the alleged, but inaccurate, reason given for Jia Rui becoming ill?
(a) An ancient curse.
(b) His inability to have Xi-feng.
(c) His lack of respect for his parents.
(d) His many liaisons with prostitutes.

5. What does Aunt Xue give to Zhou Rai's wife?
(a) A box of decorations for her house.
(b) A box of real flowers.
(c) A box of artificial flowers.
(d) A box filled with money.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who settles the boy in Qin Shi's room?

2. What is the name of the prestigious family about which the story is told?

3. What is the subject of the conversation Zhen Shi-yin overhears in his dream?

4. Who are the first people who come across the stone after the goddess leaves it there?

5. Who is brought to life by a magical fictional stone?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although the Jia family throws a spectacular birthday party for Jia Jing even though he refuses to leave the monastery to attend, much of the conversation centers on Qin-shi's puzzling illness. Hypothesize as to why this is.

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

3. How does the author make it clear in Chapter 1 that the reader should expect an element of the supernatural in the novel?

4. What thematic devices can be drawn from Bao-yu's relationship with women both during his dream and afterward?

5. Why would Dai-yu find it strange that Xi-feng appears to be in charge of household affairs?

6. In what ways is more of Xi-feng's character revealed in her thoughts about Qin-shi and her dealings with Jia Rui?

7. How are Bao-yu's father's sentiments about Bao-yu depicted in Chapter 9?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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