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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. For what does Yu use feng shui?

2. What does Paul focus upon regarding the JFK assassination?

3. Who carries 50 bills forged by the SS during WWII?

4. What kind of skier is Molly?

5. What does Tom have to rent?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dieter Dimpel and what he asks of Paul for payment for helping Paul.

2. What do Paul and Tom discuss as they are at the bar having hot buttered rum?

3. Who does Paul select for breaking Frankie Pigeon and how does he motivate one of the two men?

4. What does Paul tell Molly about his investigation into JFK's murder?

5. How does the evening with Tom and Sybille go for Paul and Molly and what slightly mars the evening?

6. Who does Paul meet on the outskirts of Elisabethville and for what reason?

7. What happens to all the Cubans but Ruiz and why not Ruiz? What does Nsango ask about Ruiz?

8. Why is Paul glad he is alone?

9. What does Paul learn during his visit to Yu Lung?

10. What is the response to Paul's report at the meeting and what does Trumbull decide to do and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of themes developed throughout the novel. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of politics as presented in the novel. Include a discussion of the following questions: Which characters seem most involved in acting out of a concern for politics? Which ones seem to dismiss politics as a reason for actions? How does the political climate inform the main characters' actions? What do you think is the implied belief about politics in the novel? Use specific examples to develop your essay.

2. Trace and analyze the theme of power as presented in the novel. Include a discussion of the following questions: How would you define power as a concept developed in this novel? Do the powerful hold all the "chips"? How do those with less power manage to ignore or circumvent the restrictions/requirements placed upon them by those with greater power? Is power ever used for ethical goals in the novel? For unethical goals? Which characters wield the most power in The Tears of Autumn? Which characters have the least power? How does the amount of power each character wields affect their lives and their impact on the plot?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 7, when Paul declares he will resume his work, Ho mocks his bravado, but the Truong toc shows Paul Molly's picture, taken in Rome. Discuss the following:

1. Why it is more effective to threaten Paul with Molly's safety than his own? Do you think this is often the case for humans--i.e., that threats to their loved ones to illicit compliance is more effective than threats to one's own self?

2. Sybille Webster is angry that Paul is determined to stay with Molly because she thinks it endangers both of them. Do you think she is right to be angry? Do you think it is up to Molly whether she wants to risk death if she stays with Paul? Would it be right for Paul to make that decision for Molly? Discuss fully with details from the book.

3. Sybille Webster is also angry that Paul decides to investigate JFK's murder because it puts Paul's life at risk. Why do you think Paul thinks his life is worth knowing the truth? Do you think the truth is worth the lives that are lost in finding it? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 6, when Paul mentions that the two presidents (Kennedy and Ngo Diem) die within 21 days of one another, the Truong toc doubts the sorrows are similar. Americans live in another world. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think the Truong toc means when he says Americans live in a different world? How are the two countries different politically as revealed in the text? Explain fully with examples from the text and your own experience.

2. Do you think Americans are more or less likely to grieve for a fallen leader than those in a small Indonesian country such as Vietnam? Explain fully with examples from the text and your own experience.

3. Does the Turong toc seem condescending to Paul? Why or why not? Discuss fully with examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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