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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. Kino's father says that their people do not fear death because ________________________.

2. Why does Jiya tell the Old Gentleman that his castle is not safe either?

3. Where have the two men lived since the big wave?

4. Kino's father assures Kino that life is stronger than __________________.

5. Jiya says that the people on the island are brave because _____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the Old Gentleman frustrated with the young men building the house on the beach?

2. How does Kino's father respond to Kino when he states that the Japanese people are unlucky to live in the middle of so much danger?

3. Kino's father says that Jiya will be happy again only when he is able to do what?

4. Why is Kino's father open to the offer that the Old Gentleman makes regarding Jiya?

5. How does Jiya introduce the fact to Kino that he loves Setsu?

6. How does Jiya feel initially when he sees the new house being built on the beach?

7. Why does Kino think that it would be impossible for Jiya to turn down the Old Gentleman's offer?

8. What is the reason that the Old Gentleman comes up the mountain to see Jiya?

9. How does Kino show his selflessness regarding Jiya's decision and why does Jiya refuse to stay at the Old Gentleman's castle?

10. What is Jiya's rationale for why the Old Gentleman's castle is no safer than a house on the beach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE BIG WAVE is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Kino. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Kino's father, Kino, Jiya and Setsu. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

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This section contains 1,012 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample