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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. Who calms Bao-yu down when he makes a scene after his visit with Bao-chai?

2. Who suggests a complex plan of action to bring a satisfactory end to the whole affair over which Yu-cun is presiding?

3. What is the name of the goddess in the opening chapter?

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

5. What does Grannie finally admit to Zhou under pressure?

Short Essay Questions

1. What events surrounding the trial in Chapter 4 illustrate further the Jia family's decline?

2. 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.

3. Discuss the concepts of fate and destiny in relation to the meeting at which Bao-chai looks at Bao-yu's jade.

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

5. Why does Xi-feng hush Bao-yu when he questions the drunken servant cursing the Jia family at the Ning house?

6. Is the fact that Dai-yu is offered flowers last in Chapter 7 a reasonable reflection of her status in the house at that time?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the ways the author illustrates the divide between poor classes and rich classes in the novel and the various grey areas surrounding that divide.

Essay Topic 2

"In The Story of the Stone, the keeping of secrets frequently benefits all concerned." In your perception, is this statement true or false? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Is the author justified in ending the novel with a cliffhanger? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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