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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. At the birthday party in Chapter 11, what does much of the conversation center on?

2. What does Leng Zi-xing explain in regards to turning out sons?

3. Who does Dai-yu learn she will be living with even though it is not customary for girls to live with boys?

4. What is the real reason for Jia Rui becoming ill?

5. What does Bao-yu do when the answer from Dai-yu is "no"?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. What does the story of Ying-lian and Feng Yuan suggest about the role of fate and karma in the world of the novel?

4. How does the connection between Bao-yu and Bao-chai deepen in Chapter 7?

5. Upon their first meeting, do Bao-yu and Dai-yu feel a connection with each other? If so, how is it shown?

6. What is your opinion of Aroma's decision to allow Bao-yu to "have his way" with her following her discovery of his dream?

7. How does superstition appear in the events surrounding Jia Rui?

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

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

10. Hypothesize over the influence Bao-yu's father has on him despite his consistently disapproving attitude towards Bao-yu.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the role of sex and sexuality in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Is the author justified in including a large number of coincidences (for example Dai-yu visiting Bao-chai at the same time as Bao-yu, or Xi-feng entering the room just as Patience confronts Jia Lian) in the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss whether the use of symbolism in the novel is effective. Make reference to the stone of the title and at least two other examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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