The Boatman's Flute

Which of the following quotes provides evidence for the claim that the mandarin's daughter's life in the mansion was luxurious?

• "She spent her days and nights in her room, high above the river, watching the world below."

• "The mandarin loved his daughter dearly."

• "Musicians and poets sang to her the ballads of old."

• "The servants placed her on her bed and summoned her father."

Why did the mandarin never allow his daughter to leave the mansion? Based on the information in the text, what can you infer?

• He wanted to keep her safe.

• He didn't trust her.

• She didn't want to leave.

• He wanted her to marry soon.

How did the mandarin's daughter's emotions change over time as she listened to the boatman's music?

• She grew increasingly curious.

• She became sad and fearful.

• She became angry and frustrated.

• She felt lonely and bored.

Why did the boatman play his flute for the mandarin's daughter, even though he didn't know her?

• He hoped to win her affection.

• He wanted to impress her father.

• He was trying to earn money.

• He was ordered to do so.

How does the mandarin's daughter's perception of the boatman change when she sees him up close?

• She realizes he is not as handsome as she thought.

• She finds him even more attractive.

• She is impressed by his wealth.

• She decides to marry him immediately.

What is the theme or lesson of this story?

• Judging a book by its cover will only leave us with regrets.

• Love conquers all obstacles.

• Money cannot buy happiness.

• Dreams can become reality.

What does the jade goblet symbolize in the story?

• The boatman's love for the mandarin's daughter.

• The mandarin's wealth and power.

• The girl's longing for adventure.

• The boatman's flute playing.

What is the cause of the goblet's transformation, and what is the effect on the mandarin's daughter?

• The girl's tears; they shatter the goblet.

• The boatman's music; it makes her feel better.

• The boatman's return; it leads to her recovery.

• The mandarin's request; it leads to her happiness.

Reflecting on the boatman's actions and fate, what choice did he make regarding the mandarin's daughter?

• He chose to leave and never return.

• He chose to marry her.

• He chose to take the bag of gold.

• He chose to reveal his true identity.

Which of the following passages best represents the exposition in the story?

• "The mandarin loved his daughter dearly and feared for her safety so much that all her life he had never allowed her to leave the mansion."

• "The boatman stood up and skillfully steered the ghe out into deeper water with a long bamboo pole."

• "The boatman’s soul was free at last to go in peace."

• "She dreamed of climbing out of the boat and running barefoot through the thick green grass."