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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. Whom does Wang Lung's second-eldest son say his older brother has been going out with at night in Chapter 23?

2. Who accompanies Wang Lung's uncle when he moves into Wang Lung's home in Chapter 20?

3. For how long does the grain merchant insist his daughter must wait until she is wed to Wang Lung's eldest son in Chapter 23?

4. Why has the price of grain risen in Chapter 31?

5. What does Wang Lung's aunt say Lotus "reeks of" when she helps her into her chambers in Chapter 20?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Lotus Flower described on the picture in the tea shop in Chapter 18?

2. What does Wang Lung do in order to gain control over his uncle and his family in Chapter 28?

3. How is Lotus's arrival at Wang Lung's home described in Chapter 20? Who is present for her arrival?

4. How does Wang Lung perceive Lotus's friendship with his aunt in Chapter 21?

5. How does Wang Lung's family go about relocating to the city in Chapter 29? Who is the last to leave the land?

6. How have Wang Lung's business, circumstances, and fate changed in the beginning of Chapter 17?

7. How does Wang Lung perceive his family and children in Chapter 17?

8. What causes the flooding in Chapter 27? How does the flooding impact Wang Lung's village?

9. Who looks after the arrangement of Wang Lung's second son's marriage in Chapter 29? How are the arrangements described?

10. What decision does Wang Lung make regarding his second-eldest son in Chapter 25?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the marriage customs of early twentieth century China as seen in the novel. What were the expected roles of women and men? How were marriages arranged? How would you compare the gender roles established in this culture and society with your own?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of O-lan in The Good Earth. How old is O-lan when she is sold into slavery? What leads to O-lan’s marriage to Wang Lung? Do you think that O-lan is happy to be married? Why or why not? How does O-lan’s character evolve in the course of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the Great House of Hwang in The Good Earth. Where is the house located? How is its architecture described? Where do the Old Master and Old Mistress live? Why does Wang Lung visit and revisit the House of Hwang in the novel?

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