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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. What does Takanatsu say will happen if Kaname doesn't make a decision about the divorce?

2. Where did Kaname first see Aso with Misako?

3. Why does Takanatsu refuse to mediate between Kaname and Misako any longer in Chapter 8?

4. Where did Misako meet Aso?

5. How long does O-hisa wander around looking for a bathroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 12, what makes Kaname think it is unacceptable for him to stay with Misako?

2. What does Loiuse ask Kaname for before he leaves the brothel?

3. After six months of crying nightly, what did Misako finally admit to Kaname? What did Kaname and Misako agree to after her confession?

4. What popular tradition among stylish gentlemen is explained in Chapter 9?

5. What does Kaname think about the relationship between his father-in-law and O-hisa in Chapter 9?

6. How does Kaname explain Misako has changed in Chapter 14?

7. How did Hiroshi find out about his parents' separation?

8. When does the hotel manager suggest Misako's father and his party should attend the theater? When does Misako's father want to go?

9. What does Louise claim about her lineage, and what is the truth? What does Louise do to appeal to Kaname?

10. In Chapter 8, what does Takanatsu say will prevent Kaname and Misako from ever divorcing? .

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of divorce in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." Why do Kaname and Misako want to get a divorce? What is making the decision hard to make? How was divorce viewed by Japanese culture in the 1950's?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of East versus West in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of Western influences in the novel? What does Kaname think of the Western influences? Which characters symbolize the East and which characters symbolize the West?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret at least three of the secondary characters of the novel. What sort of relationships do these characters have with Kaname? Do they have a significant role in the novel? Why or why not? Do these characters influence Kaname's decision to divorce his wife?

(see the answer keys)

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