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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. Which of the following does NOT happen in the wake of Qin-shi's death?

2. With whom does Bao-yu spend his evening after being scolded by Aroma for defending her?

3. What servant finds a lock of The Mattress's hair in Jia Lian's things?

4. What gift does Shui Rong give to Bao-yu?

5. What is purchased for Yuan-chun's first visit to her garden?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jia Zheng finally start to warm to Bao-yu?

2. How does Bao-yu show increasing maturity in his response to the quarrels among his female companions?

3. How is the relationship between Bao-yu and his servants developed in the events after Yuan-chun's visit?

4. What is revealed about Xi-feng's character in the episode involving a servant woman bringing money to her?

5. Why is Dai-yu overcome with grief as she listens to the words of the actresses rehearsing in the garden?

6. How do the servants of the house react to Qin-shi's death?

7. In what ways are Bao-yu's intellectual abilities displayed in the events surrounding Yuan-chun's visit?

8. In Chapter 20, how does Bao-yu show that he cares about Dai-yu?

9. Why does Aroma manipulate Bao-yu in Chapter 19?

10. What can be understood from the relationship between Qin Zhong and Sappy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Because he is won over and particularly moved by the story of the stone, it could be said that Vanitas (later Brother Amor) is the character readers should identify with most. Comment upon this idea, explaining in the process how or why the story is "not just another erotic romance" as the stone itself says.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Destiny and predestination is a central theme throughout the novel. What narrative devices does the author utilize to maintain the reader's interest in this idea through an atmosphere of inevitability that pervades the novel's subtext?

(see the answer keys)

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