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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Stephen tell Naomi about where their father is staying in New Denver?

2. Which family member is released from internment and returns to the family hut?

3. What religious ceremony is conducted during the family's goodbye party?

4. In what year do Naomi and Stephen begin to attend an all-Japanese school?

5. What does Rough Lock say about skin color?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Naomi struggles with the question of whether she should remember the past or simply forget it. Compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages in both of these strategies. Then, explain what Naomi's process was moving from a forgetful past to a future full of memories.

Essay Topic 2

Kogawa chooses to write this novel in a very unconventional way. Explain the structure of the novel and discuss whether or not this use of structure was effective in telling Naomi's story. Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Silence is a revered characteristic in Japanese culture. Explain the significance of silence to the characters in the novel, and explain the effect that silence has on an individual character level within the novel, as well as a cultural level in the era that this novel is set.

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This section contains 291 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample