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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. What is the vehicle called that Wang Lung's family takes to the city in the south in Chapter 10?

2. How many young lords are described at the House of Hwang in Chapter 5?

3. What does Wang Lung vow he must do in the end of Chapter 12?

4. What does O-lan do with the flier that has been given to Wang Lung by the blue-eyed man in Chapter 14?

5. What does Wang Lung's father compare drinking tea to in the beginning of Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Wang Lung respond when he discovers O-lan's jewels in Chapter 16?

2. What is depicted on the fliers that Wang Lung is handed in Chapter 14?

3. What causes Wang Lung to finally decide to take his family to the city in the south in Chapter 9?

4. Describe O-lan's actions when she comes to Wang Lung's home. How does Wang Lung perceive his wife?

5. How do Wang Lung and his family reach the city in the south in Chapter 10?

6. What conflict occurs between Wang Lung and his aunt in Chapter 7?

7. How does Wang Lung perceive his wedding day when he awakens in Chapter 1?

8. What leads to Wang Lung purchasing more land from the House of Hwang in Chapter 8?

9. How does Wang Lung perceive the city of Kiangsu in Chapter 12?

10. What event leads Wang Lung to stop working as a rickshaw driver in Chapter 14?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of morality and necessity in The Good Earth. When does morality come into question in the course of the story? What leads this questioning? What morals do you feel the author expresses through Wang Lung’s narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the plot structure of The Good Earth. Where does the exposition transition to rising action? Where does the climax take place? What are the conflicts that the protagonist faces in the climax? How are these conflicts resolved in the denouement?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Wang Lung’s sons in the narrative. How are they similar? How are they different? What does Wang Lung expect from each of his sons? Who defies Wang Lung? How?

(see the answer keys)

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