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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. How does Ichiro respond to Setsuko's requests for him to settle down?

2. How does Noriko's behavior change during the miai?

3. What position is Shintaro applying for?

4. What is going in on both sides of Mrs. Kawakami's establishment?

5. How does Ono help Shintaro's younger brother?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Migi-Hidari show its loyalty to the emperor?

2. Why didn't Ono object to Noriko's marriage into a family that was below their station?

3. Why does Ono decide to watch Mitsuo during the miai?

4. Why does Ono lose respect for Shintaro?

5. What prediction does Setsuko's mother make about her that is now proving accurate?

6. Why does Ono say he would never forgive himself if he became like his father?

7. Why does Ono feel compelled to confess his activities during the war during the miai?

8. How does Ono acquire his house for less than half its value?

9. What tragic event happens to the mentally challenged Hirayama?

10. What does Shintaro ask Ono to do for him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

First, Shintaro calls Ono a traitor. Second, we learn about the artwork that has made him call his friend a traitor. Third, we learn of Matsuda's persuasive conversation that induced Ono to change his painting style, and fourth, we learn that the work resulted in his expulsion from Moriyama's tutelage. Analyze the way the clarity of the story is affected by this type of organization. Why do you think Ishiguro chose not to tell is story in simple chronological order? What effect does dealing with time in this way have on you as a reader?

Essay Topic 2

Moriyama said that the floating world disappears with dawn and sobriety. His work was to try to capture and validate the beauty of that world. But the phrase "floating world" means more. What else does the phrase represent? Why do you think Ishiguro chose it for the title?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the personalities of Noriko and Setsuko based on their conversation and behavior. Remember that Ono comments on the character of the two girls. Do your observations agree with his?

(see the answer keys)

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