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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 was the name of the place Hang's mother took her with green water and rocks?

2. During land reform, Aunt Tam's home was divided into how many pieces?

3. What does Ton find in the packet from his former student's parents?

4. What happens after Chinh accuses Que of hurting his image and reputation?

5. How old was Chinh when his mother died?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Que's plan to build a new roof for their hut?

2. Describe Hang's grandfather's house.

3. How does Hang perceive the snow?

4. Describe Hang's first meeting with Aunt Tam.

5. Describe Que's life in the year following her mother's death.

6. How does Hang feel about returning to the village with her mother?

7. What does Chinh think of Que's occupation?

8. What reminds Ton of his previous life with Que?

9. Describe Hang's upbringing.

10. Why does Que leave the village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Aunt Tam's passing, Hang discovers several of her aunt's possessions, including two wedding gowns and the gold earrings she had given Hang. Discuss the significance of these items to the owner and the story. What do they say about Aunt Tam?

Essay Topic 2

At the start of the book, Hang goes to visit her sick uncle, even when she is not feeling well herself, because of a strong sense of familial obligation. At the end of the book, Hang decides to sell her Aunt Tam's house and leave behind "crimes of the past" and an unhappy legacy. Does her decision to sell the house contradict her sense of familial obligation? Has Hang changed over the course of the book? In what ways? Cite specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Aunt Tam notes that Ton left the village (and Hang's mother) and killed himself because he could endure anything but shame. Discuss the merits of pride. Is pride a positive or negative attribute of a person? In Ton's case, what other solutions might he have explored while still maintaining a sense of pride?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample