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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. Why does the narrator’s sister not return home while their father is ill in Part II, My Parents and I?

2. What refers to the medieval Japanese act of vassals committing ritual suicide upon the death of their lord?

3. What does the narrator buy to put on the flag pole after Emperor Meiji’s death in Part II, My Parents and I?

4. Sensei writes in Part III, Sensei’s Testament, “Since my past was experienced only by me, I might be excused if I regarded it as” what?

5. When was General Nogi born?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conclusion does Sensei reach at the end of his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

2. What does Sensei learn of his adoptive father from a friend in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

3. How does Soseki’s father’s health decline as Soseki is preparing to leave for Tokyo in Part II, My Parents and I?

4. What explanation does Sensei give for his lack of earlier response to Soseki’s letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

5. What topic causes strife between Sensei and his adoptive family in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

6. What is revealed in K’s suicide note in Part III, Sensei’s Testament? How does Sensei react?

7. Why does Soseki’s mother urge Soseki to write to Sensei in Part II, My Parents and I?

8. How are Sensei’s early days with his adoptive family described in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

9. What conversation does Soseki’s father have with Saku-san in Part II, My Parents and I?

10. What happens with K’s family during their third summer holiday from school in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Women’s Roles in Kokoro

a. Discuss the differences and similarities between gender roles in the novel. How do expectations of men and women differ in terms of education, society, and culture?

b. Compare and contrast Shizu and Soseki’s mother in the novel. How does Soseki view his mother’s opinions versus those of Shizu?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the upbringing of Sensei in the novel. How old was Sensei when his parents died? How did they die? What caused Sensei to lose trust in humanity?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss symbolic role that Emperor Meiji plays in Kokoro. What does Meiji represent metaphorically to the characters in the story? How does Meiji’s passing affect Soseki and his family? How does it affect Sensei?

(see the answer keys)

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