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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. Who is the person who meets Stephen at the train station in Tarumi?

2. When does Stephen's father leave Tamuri after his second visit to see Stephen?

3. How does his father's departure affect Stephen?

4. Who says, "A Japanese woman would never do such a thing," and to whom is that person referring?

5. What is Setsbun?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the visit to Sachi impact the relationship between Stephen and Matsu?

2. How do Stephen and Keiko's father interact when they meet in the village after Kenzo's burial?

3. How did Tomoko's death bring Sachi and Matsu closer?

4. How does the removal of Sachi's scarf indicate her growing closeness to Stephen?

5. Describe the relationship between Stephen and his father in the beginning of the book.

6. Describe a daruma doll.

7. How does Stephen react to the news in his mother's November,1937 letter?

8. How does the storm impact Stephen's relationship with Sachi and Matsu?

9. Why is the painting of the garden of importance to Stephen?

10. What implications are given that Matsu is becoming fond of Stephen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stephen's budding relationship with Keiko is both exciting and frustrating for him. As their relationship progresses, and Stephen matures, his reaction to Keiko's responses also change. Document the progression of this relationship and explain how Stephen's personal growth and maturity is reflected in his actions and feelings.

Essay Topic 2

Prejudice is an underlying theme that accompanies the war and leprosy. While often subtle, the theme is constantly present in the story. Pick three characters that you feel exhibit prejudice and explain:

1) What is the cause of their prejudice?

2) How aware is this person of their prejudice and to what extent do they justify it?

3) Does this character evolve or alter his or her perceptions in the course of the story? Use specific examples to support all your assertions.

Essay Topic 3

Stephen is often forced to make choices about confronting situations or staying silent and keeping the peace. For each of the following occurrences, explain why Stephen made the choice he did, what values impacted his chosen course of action, and how it affected both him and others in the long run.

1) His father's affair.

2) Keiko's father.

3) Kenzo's attack on Sachi.

(see the answer keys)

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