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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 forms deeps friendship with Darling and Precious?

2. Who sends Yu-cun to the capitol with his daughter Dai-yu?

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

4. What does Aroma realize about Bao-yu as she helps him redress after his nap?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Vanitas change his name to Brother Amor?

3. 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?

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

5. How does Bao-yu use family ties to his advantage during the events at the school?

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

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

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

9. What can be understood from Chinese diplomatic culture when considering Bao-yu's meeting with Prince Qinzhong?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

How does the author use the setting of the Prospect Garden as a key location in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of illness to the story? Discuss with at least three examples and why the author chooses to make these characters ill.

(see the answer keys)

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