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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 is in charge of arranging the marriage for Wang Lung's second-eldest son?

2. How far away does the maid live that is arranged to marry Wang Lung's second-eldest son in Chapter 29?

3. For how long does Wang Lung's soldier cousin stay in his house with the soldiers before departing for another war in Chapter 31?

4. How long has it been since Wang Lung last saw his eldest son when he comes home to be wed in Chapter 26?

5. How many pieces of silver does Wang Lung give to his aunt for arranging his purchase of Lotus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the source of Wang Lung's main conflicts in Chapter 30?

2. How would you describe Wang Lung's sons in Chapter 30? How are each of his sons different?

3. How does Wang Lung go about arranging to purchase Lotus in Chapter 20?

4. What decision does Wang Lung make regarding his second-eldest son in Chapter 25?

5. How does Wang Lung respond when O-lan warns him of his eldest son visiting Lotus in Chapter 24?

6. How does Wang Lung's family go about relocating to the city in Chapter 29? Who is the last to leave the land?

7. What is at the root of the conflict between O-lan and Cuckoo in Chapter 21?

8. How does Wang Lung respond when he discovers his eldest son in Lotus's court in Chapter 24?

9. What does O-lan say regarding Cuckoo as she lays dying in Chapter 26?

10. How is Lotus Flower described on the picture in the tea shop in Chapter 18?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the characters of Wang Lung’s uncle and aunt in The Good Earth. How does Wang Lung differ as a farmer and a businessman from his uncle? How does Wang Lung’s aunt differ from O-lan? Are these characters likable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of O-lan in The Good Earth. How old is O-lan when she is sold into slavery? What leads to O-lan’s marriage to Wang Lung? Do you think that O-lan is happy to be married? Why or why not? How does O-lan’s character evolve in the course of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of inequality in The Good Earth. What setting reflects this theme the most? How? What do you think is the cause of the inequality seen in the novel? Has inequality been resolved in China? In what ways?

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