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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. To whom does Shizuko write notes in Chapter 1?

2. Where does the wake take place?

3. Where is the novel set in Chapter 1?

4. In what month does Chapter 6, Sundays, begin?

5. Why is Shizuko impressed by Yuki?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hideki appreciate about the ritual of burning in Chapter 13?

2. How does it make Yuki feel as she observes Sachiko interacting with her mother after the track meet?

3. Why does Yuki sometimes feel angry toward her late mother Shizuko?

4. Why does her Aunt Aya compliment Yuki on the day of the wake?

5. What are Hideki's emotions when Yuki leaves for college?

6. In Chapter 16, how does Yuki use Masa's kimonos to keep healthy, happy reminders of the past in her life?

7. What is the difference between how Yuki's grandmother keeps a house and how Yuki's stepmother keeps a house?

8. Is the race in Chapter 5 a metaphor for Yuki's life?

9. Yuki often remembers her mother Shizuko through smells and colors. Describe some of the occasions in Chapter 9 in which Yuki recalls her mother due to these sensory catalysts.

10. What are the special objects that Yuki carries with her on the day of her father's wedding? Why are these items important to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Yuki's relationship with her father and stepmother and how the lack of respect from all involved parties has created a rift in the family. Yuki is utterly unable to connect with her new set of parents after Shizuko's death, and in turn, Hideki and Hanae find Yuki to be contemptible.

Part 1) How does Yuki's initial behavior at Hideki and Hanae's wedding set the tone for their future relationship?

Part 2) How does Yuki's attitude toward her father and stepmother compound their overall disdain and mistrust?

Part 3) What other factors contribute toward the lack of communication and understanding between family members?

Part 4) How does Hanae create tension between Hideki and Yuki? Is she the primary aggressor of the household? Why or why not?

Part 5) Takeo tells Yuki that respect must be earned before it can be given. What is he trying to tell Yuki?

Essay Topic 2

Write the following essay from the first person point of view of Yuki.

• Why is honesty so important to you?

• Have you ever regretted being honest? If so, why? Have you ever regretted being dishonest? If so, why?

• Of the adults in your life, who is the most honest? Who is the least honest?

• If those around you were as honest as you, how would this impact your relationships?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how the author's choice to include multiple points of view changes the perceptions of the reader.

• How has including the perspectives of other characters changed the role of Yuki? Has it influenced how one views her?

• Does reading the point of view of another character allow for more understanding or sympathy? Why or why not?

• How has this narrative technique helped the story? How has it hindered it?

• Why has the author chosen these particular sections to switch the point of view, particularly in the epilogue? What are some possible reasons to do so?

(see the answer keys)

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