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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. What does the doctor tell Bird about the baby?

2. When Bird arrives at school, he learns that he has a meeting with _________________ after class.

3. Bird remains awake all night imagining that _____________________.

4. The doctor at the clinic states that the baby is developing _________________.

5. What does Bird unexpectedly do after work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the name, Kikuhiko, to Bird and to the story?

2. What role does Himiko and her comfort with her own sexuality play in helping Bird in his journey of transformation?

3. What does Bird name the baby and how does Himiko know the name?

4. What does Bird feel after his sexual encounter with Himiko?

5. What is the significance of Bird scratching behind his ear after his tiny son does the same thing?

6. What are some of the negative and positive reminders that Bird receives about the possibilities for his future?

7. How have Himiko's feelings about Bird evolved over the last few days?

8. What is the symbolism of Himiko's repeatedly getting lost on the way to the clinic?

9. What reason does Bird give Himiko for taking the baby back to the hospital for the operation?

10. Describe the motif of fear in the book and how Bird transcends it after talking with Kikuhiko.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Himiko. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Himiko?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,433 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample