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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. The magistrate accuses the ______ of triggering conflicts, being more barbaric than the barbarians themselves.

2. The barbarians appear in other places, being cheated as they try to trade with _____________, according to the magistrate's observations.

3. The magistrate is released from prison without any means of ____________ at this time.

4. What is NOT one of the magistrate's old hobbies that he takes up after deciding to swear off women?

5. The magistrate thinks that his method of recording information now would include ______________ through seasons and nature.

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens with the fire that is being set along the riverbanks?

2. What does the magistrate learn about his status when he says he cannot be in power because he is awaiting trial?

3. What is the sight that inspires fear and panic in the town as the magistrate describes in the story?

4. What happens to the magistrate as a result of not having any activities to do during his captivity?

5. What does the Colonel do to the natives who have their cheeks wired and their wrists wired?

6. What does the magistrate think he might write down if he were to write a record of the imperial post?

7. What happens to the barbarians when they are locked up in their cells, according to the events the magistrate has witnessed?

8. What are some of the hobbies that the magistrate goes back to after visiting and sleeping with Mai?

9. What is regarded as the only form of protection from the barbarians, causing the town to shift in terms of population and control?

10. Why doesn't anyone want to gather wood in the area where the magistrate is now in control?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The magistrate decides that it would be best to not dwell in the past and to move on in the future.

Part 1: Why do you think the magistrate wants to avoid thinking about the past?

Part 2: Do you think it's a good idea to focus only on the present? Why or why not?

Part 3: How would your life change if you were only able to focus on the present? Or wouldn't it?

Essay Topic 2

The sexual tension between the magistrate and the blind girl causes the magistrate to distance himself from the girl.

Part 1: Why do you think that the magistrate is so attracted to the blind girl?

Part 2: Does it make sense that the sexual frustration pushes the magistrate away?

Part 3: Why do you think that the magistrate and the blind girl don't just consummate their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Living in fear seems to be the natural response for the people in the area, but this seems to create a strange way to live.

Part 1: Why do you think that living in fear is the natural response for the people in the area?

Part 2: Do you think that you could live in fear? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think living in fear affects those who are in that area?

(see the answer keys)

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