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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. Why does manna ask to be left behind to die during the hospital camp-and-field training?

2. What is Geng Yang's real reason for inviting Manna to his room?

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

4. Who is Lin's new roommate when he gets tuberculosis?

5. What rumor is going around the hospital about Lin's wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Lin shows Manna the photo of his wife and daughter, what upset does it bring to their relationship? What solace does it bring to Manna?

2. Since Manna and Lin broke up, what has Manna been doing to spite Lin? How does this reach its climax in Chapter 10?

3. How does Lin change the direction of his and Manna's relationship as his divorce seems less and less likely?

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

5. How does Manna begin to advance on Lin?

6. What draws and repels Manna and Liang Meng to and from each other?

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

8. Why is Lin ashamed that he asks Manna to share the cost of the bribe?

9. Why has Lin doubted himself of being a "normal" man? How does he gauge "normal?"

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Dreams are a powerful tool of revelation and understanding for both the reader and the characters in "Waiting." Write an essay analyzing the use of dreams and internal dialogue in the book.

Essay Topic 3

Manna has had many suitors through "Waiting." Respond to the following questions:

- What draws Manna to these men?

- What repels Manna from these men?

- How much control does Manna have over her life?

(see the answer keys)

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