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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. How is Hong dressed as he rides to the ceremonial tomb?

2. Where does the sailing vessel that Hong and Chen are traveling go?

3. How do Chen and Hong cross the Yellow River?

4. What does Chen think has helped to prepare him for the exam?

5. Who does Hong visit while Chen is doing his last exam?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Hong goes to deliver his letter from Ye Pan?

2. What do the brothers decide to do when they leave the army, who do they meet and how does Chen feel about him?

3. Where do the brothers finally stop after the Yellow River plain and where do they stay there?

4. What does Hong decide to do after Chen takes a position and what does Sun Qi give Hong?

5. What is available to Chen for a position, what is he considering and how does Hong feel about Chen making up his mind?

6. What happens when Hong visits a fortune teller?

7. What do the river pirates do when they board the boat?

8. Where does Hong go when he escapes the pirates and who helps him?

9. How is Chen feeling when he starts his examination in Beijing and how does he feel at the end of it?

10. What does Hong do while Chen is studying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The brothers face a moral dilemma when they meet some starving villagers on their way to Beijing. By giving the women some food, they make them a target of the two starving men who may kill the women to get it. They give some food to the men as well, but then leave without seeing what happens. Later in the book, the brothers each admit to thinking the right thing to do would have been to kill the two men so the women might live. The dilemma has no clear solution, and serves as an example of the difficulty in determining and enforcing social justice. Within the narrative, the episode is transformational to the brothers, who are rapidly forming their own ideas about right and wrong in the social order.

1. Do you think the brothers solved the problem with the men and the women and food well? Why or why not? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Why do you think this event might have caused the brothers to think about social justice and order? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

3. How does this event tie in with Hong joining the White Lotus Society? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Examination", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "The Examination". (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Many writers and critics say there are only a few plots in the world of fiction; it's what an author does with a plot that distinguishes a mediocre book from an outstanding book. Respond to this idea, using examples from "The Examination" and other books you have read.

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider "The Examination" a "good" book? An interesting or enlightening book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

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