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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What can Bird not see when he looks into his son's eyes?
(a) Life.
(b) Intelligence.
(c) Any recognition.
(d) His reflection.

2. A student offers to help Bird get a job as a ________________.
(a) proofreader.
(b) tutor.
(c) professor.
(d) tour guide.

3. Where did Himiko's husband die?
(a) On a beach.
(b) In a hospital.
(c) In an attic.
(d) In the room where she and Bird sleep.

4. Bird is going to make sure the baby has the operation for _____________ sake.
(a) the baby's.
(b) the doctor's.
(c) his wife's.
(d) Bird's.

5. When was A PERSONAL MATTER first published?
(a) Early 1960s.
(b) Late 1990s.
(c) Mid 1980s.
(d) 1975.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Bird get to work the next day?

2. When Bird arrives at school, he learns that he has a meeting with _________________ after class.

3. What does Himiko suggest to Bird to help him get over his distaste for the female body?

4. What does Bird's wife accuse him of doing?

5. What word does Delchef write in the book in #141?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Bird's burden somehow lightened when he finally accepts responsibility for his son?

2. What do Bird and Himiko do when told that the baby is nearly strong enough for the operation?

3. What does Bird view the vagina and womb as and what does Himiko suggest that he do to get over his distaste for the female body?

4. What are some of the negative and positive reminders that Bird receives about the possibilities for his future?

5. What is the significance of the name, Kikuhiko, to Bird and to the story?

6. How have Himiko's feelings about Bird evolved over the last few days?

7. What is the significance of Bird's worrying about the top on the car and Himiko's swerving to miss hitting the dead sparrow on the road?

8. What happens to Bird when he goes to his job at the school in Chapter 9?

9. What instruction does Bird give the doctor regarding the baby's dwindling condition?

10. What role does Himiko and her comfort with her own sexuality play in helping Bird in his journey of transformation?

(see the answer keys)

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