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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Naomi dream is attempting to communicate with her?

2. What does Naomi find as an adult which gave her insight into the family's motivations in relocating from Slocan?

3. Besides moving back to Japan, what other option do families have in 1945?

4. How many people does Aunt Emily know of that returned to Vancouver in the 1940s?

5. Which of the following does Naomi NOT view as a rule to proper Japanese living?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Naomi is first sent to Obasan's house, she is repulsed by its condition.

Part 1.) Describe the physicality of Obasan's house as it was depicted in the text.

Part 2.) Explain the symbolism that Obasan's house has with memory. Why does Naomi's aversion to memory affect her comfort in Obasan's home?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Stephen struggles the most with his inability to balance culture.

Part 1) Compare / contrast Stephen's relationship to his culture as a child with his relationship to his culture as an adult.

Part 2.) Generate a list of events that highlight the way that Stephen began to pull away from his culture.

Part 3.) Theorize whether or not Stephen will return to his cultural roots based on the way that the novel ended.

Essay Topic 3

Mr. Gower had a very large impact on Naomi's life as a child. Explain the relationship that Naomi had with her neighbor and discuss the ways that this relationship affected Naomi's use of silence, and her ability to love.

(see the answer keys)

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