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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. How does Keiko address her father's behavior to Stephen?

2. What does Stephen think might be the reason that Keiko's father hates him?

3. Who tells about the 1923 event that destroyed all the houses and left many dead?

4. To whose grave does Matsu take an offering?

5. What dampens Stephen's enjoyment on the walk to Yamaguchi?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is the Kerria plant found and what does it mean?

2. Why is the fishing knife of great importance to Matsu?

3. What activities surround Fumiko's arrival?

4. Explain how the war is impacting Stephen.

5. Discuss Hiro.

6. Why does Penelope work for the Red Cross?

7. Who is Sumiko?

8. How does Matsu feel about his sister's decision to deal with her disease?

9. What does Stephen discover Matsu doing with his father's fishing knife and why is it important?

10. How does Stephen feel when Matsu walks in and interrupts Sachi's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Blame and shame are recurring themes in the novel, although they sometimes are related to honor and loyalty. Choose one of these four themes (blame, shame, honor, or loyalty) that you think most shapes the tone of the story.

1) Give at least three examples to support your statement.

2) Explain if or how that theme is related to the other three listed above.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Stephen sees Matsu as both a friend and a father figure at a time when he is losing respect for his own father. Compare and contrast Matsu and Stephen's father. How would the story be different if Stephen's father's affair had not been a part of the story? Does the fallibility of Stephen's father have any positive consequences for the family?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 756 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample