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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the stone feel after being left by the goddess?
(a) Small yet strong.
(b) Free and happy.
(c) Scared and confused.
(d) Rejected and useless.

2. What does Leng Zi-xing explain in regards to turning out sons?
(a) That they struggle in bearing good male heirs.
(b) They are very successful in turning out strong and capable sons.
(c) They will soon be turning over their estate to the youngest male heir.
(d) They are looking for a man to replace their sons.

3. What does the Taoist in the first chapter change his name to?
(a) Warrior of the Sun.
(b) Brother Amor.
(c) Writer of Love.
(d) Brother in Light.

4. What is Dai-yu most concerned about on the first day of school?
(a) Whether or not Bao-yu will bid farewell to Bao-chai also.
(b) If Bao-yu's father will also become angry with her one day.
(c) How she will be able to study and also work at the estate.
(d) If she will fit in.

5. What happens to Jia Rui at the time of his first secret meeting?
(a) He meets his beloved.
(b) He gets drunk.
(c) He has sex with a prostitute.
(d) He is left sitting in the cold all night.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the goddess in the opening chapter?

2. During the party Bao-yu becomes...

3. What does Aroma realize about Bao-yu as she helps him redress after his nap?

4. Who reveals sexual feelings for Xi-feng to her around the time of the birthday party?

5. What actual name does Bao-yu cry out in his sleep?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Xi-feng hush Bao-yu when he questions the drunken servant cursing the Jia family at the Ning house?

2. In what way does Dai-yu express her jealousy and somewhat obsessive attitude towards Bao-yu in the beginning of Chapter 9?

3. Is the fact that Dai-yu is offered flowers last in Chapter 7 a reasonable reflection of her status in the house at that time?

4. What thematic devices can be drawn from Bao-yu's relationship with women both during his dream and afterward?

5. What events surrounding the trial in Chapter 4 illustrate further the Jia family's decline?

6. In what ways is more of Xi-feng's character revealed in her thoughts about Qin-shi and her dealings with Jia Rui?

7. How does the story of Jia Rui teach a lesson about undue lust?

8. Despite his limited presence, what becomes clear about Bao-yu during the first few episodes that involve him?

9. Discuss briefly the ways in which Dai-yu's personality is developed during her first days in the Jia household.

10. What can be understood from Chinese diplomatic culture when considering Bao-yu's meeting with Prince Qinzhong?

(see the answer keys)

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