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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. On his first day in Muji City, what is Liang Meng's reason for needing to return home so soon?

2. What is the prognosis for Lin's tuberculosis?

3. What lie does Manna write in a letter to Liang Meng that scares him off?

4. Early in her fixation, what deters Manna's pursuance of Lin?

5. Why does Manna find Geng Yang "interesting?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Manna more embarrassed than heartbroken at Commissar Wei's rejection?

2. What is the relationship Manna Wu invents between Lin Kong and Pinging Ma? Why does Manna think Pingping is more appealing to Lin than she is?

3. Why does Lin discourage Manna from joining any of the revolutionary parties in the hospital?

4. After Lin begins to try in earnest to divorce Shuyu, what are the new dilemmas that arise?

5. Why is Manna hesitant to become engaged to Mai Dong before her graduation? What is their deciding factor in holding off their engagement?

6. How is Manna extremely selfish in the beginning of Chapter 7?

7. What is the crowd at the courthouse defending when they are scolding Lin?

8. How is Lin painted to be at fault through Chapter 9?

9. What does Lin's daydream about the nurses say about him?

10. How does Lin share Manna's feelings about Geng Yang?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Lin's children become some of the most relevant characters in his life. Respond to the following questions:

- What do each of his children provide for Lin?

- What do they represent about Lin's relationships with their mothers?

- What greater symbols do they offer to the book?

Essay Topic 2

Early in the book, Lin has several daydreams and fantasies. Respond to the following questions:

- What do these dreams and fantasies say about Lin's innermost desires at the time?

- What are the parallels you can draw between his life in Part 3 and his fantasies in Part 1?

- What conclusions do you draw from Lin's reactions to getting what he wants and wanting what he can't have?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about Lin's orchestration of relationships and the necessity of control. Respond to the following questions:

- How does Lin act when he is orchestrating the situation?

- How does Lin react when he has no control over another person or their actions?

(see the answer keys)

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