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Ha Jin, The Bridegroom

Ha Jin, The Bridegroom

Read The Bridegroom and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Then “submit” your work.

1. Why did Baowen choose Beina as his bride?

He felt sorry for her.

He fell in love with her.

He felt their marriage provided a cover for his lifestyle and allowed her to save face.

His mother had pressured him to marry the daughter of the factory’s head of security.

2. Beina believes Baowen cannot consummate their marriage because

his kung fu expertise would be ruined.

he does not find her attractive.

he is homosexual.

he is a hermaphrodite.

3. Why does Fuhai Dong refuse Cheng’s gift of cigarettes?

He feels guilty for harboring a secret relationship with Cheng’s son-in-law.

He has been abusing Baowen when unwatched.

As a hospital employee, he is not allowed to accept gifts.

He doesn’t smoke.

4. How does Doctor Mai react to Cheng’s inquiries about a cure for Baowen’s condition?

He tells Cheng to be patient—that Baowen will soon be cured.

He says nothing, insisting that Baowen’s treatment path is confidential.

He informs Cheng that electric baths are not enough—that Baowen’s treatments must be intensified.

He confides in Cheng that there is no cure.

5. Beina refuses to divorce Baowen for all of the following reasons except

in death, she believes her soul will belong to him.

she has sworn never to leave him.

she believes he is still a good man.

she wants to save face at the factory.