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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. Why does Yu-cun feel uncomfortable around the usher?

2. They reach the Ford of Error where Bao-yu finds himself being pulled into _____.

3. Why does Bao-yu make a scene upon returning home from his visit with Bao-chai?

4. What does the family take notice in terms of Dai-yu's situation?

5. Who does Zhen Shi-yin live with?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does superstition appear in the events surrounding Jia Rui?

4. What can we understand from Zhen Shi-yin's dream in the first chapter?

5. Upon their first meeting, do Bao-yu and Dai-yu feel a connection with each other? If so, how is it shown?

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

7. In what ways are fear of shame and being poor seen in Chapter 6?

8. Describe Bao-yu's relationship to alcohol in Chapter 8.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The fact that Bao-yu eventually chooses to be with Bao-chai and not Dai-yu, his supposed predestined soulmate of the past and future, comes as a surprise. Discuss the reasons why the author would choose to take the narrative in this direction.

Essay Topic 2

Is the author justified in including a large number of coincidences (for example Dai-yu visiting Bao-chai at the same time as Bao-yu, or Xi-feng entering the room just as Patience confronts Jia Lian) in the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following characters and discuss his or her relationship with and impact upon Bao-yu.

• Xi-feng

• Aroma

• Qin-shi

• Qin Zhong

(see the answer keys)

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