Test on Sky Burial

(In case you were not in class: Here is the take-home test on Sky Burial. See earlier posts for HW and Chapter 3 test.

Test On Sky Burial Due April 10 – English 162

Text questions: Please give complete detailed answers. (5 points each): (You may answer on this sheet or on a separate piece of paper; the test is open book; typed or handwritten answers are acceptable.)

1. What is the significance of the number: “560809” in the novel?

2. What are the two meanings of “Om mani padme hum” in the novel?

(Hint for one meaning see p.69)

3. What is the significance of the “holy mountains” in the story? What happens because of them?

4. What does Wen leave behind in Tibet? Why does she do this?

Combined questions. (Questions are combinations of text, reader experience and reader’s knowledge of the world) Choose any two; write one page minimum on each. Use examples from the text and your experience and knowledge if appropriate. (40 points each.)

1. Describe and discuss the scene when Wen saves Zhuoma from the soldiers. Why do you believe she does this? Why do the soldiers want to kill her? How do you believe you would react in the same situation and why?

2. Think about Wen’s quest (search) for her husband. Why does she initially go looking for him? In the end she does not find him, but instead finds out the truth about what happened to him. Considering all she goes through in her journey, do you believe her quest was ultimately a success or a failure? Pretend you are a friend of Wen’s. She comes to you for advice before leaving on her quest. What would you say to her?

3. Wen has difficulties adjusting to life with the nomadic family she lives with in Tibet whose customs and language is different from hers. Describe the stages she goes through in making this adjustment, including the changes she goes through after Zhuoma disappears. How well do you think she handles this adjustment? Have you ever been in a similar situation, adjusting to a new culture and language? If so, compare your experience to Wen’s.

4. We know that Wen was trained as a doctor in China. Once she leaves the army and is rescued by the Tibetan family, she no longer practices medicine. Why are her skills no longer needed? Give examples. Towards the end of the novel Wen does finally use her skills as a doctor to help deliver a child. Discuss the impact of this event on Wen, and her sense of identity and possibly her self-esteem. How important is the work you do in terms of how you and others see yourself? Explain.

5. Why do think the novel is named: “Sky Burial”? What is the significance of Kejun’s sky burial? What does it accomplish? Do you believe Kejun’s sacrifice was worthwhile in light of the continuing conflict in Tibet?

6. Write your own dense question and answer it using examples from the novel.