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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. The Hospital Director's behavior makes him appear to be __________________.

2. What does Bird tell Himiko?

3. How many shots of whiskey does Bird drink in quick succession?

4. What does Bird learn about his son when he sees him in the hospital?

5. When does the doctor want Bird to return to the hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the giggling doctor and the one-eyed doctor symbolize in the story?

2. Describe the nature of Bird's brief encounter with the transvestite on the street.

3. Who is Delchef and how is he introduced into the story?

4. How does Bird's thoughts about his child as a war hero show what Bird really feels about the journey ahead for the child and himself?

5. What is Bird doing at the beginning of A PERSONAL MATTER? What is going on with Bird's wife and how does Bird think his life will soon change?

6. How does the doctor exhibit insensitivity toward Bird about the baby on the way to the hospital?

7. What is ironic about Bird's using sex to avoid responsibility?

8. What is the significance of the two men who come to Himiko's home?

9. Why did the author give names to only a few of the characters?

10. At what stage is Bird in his journey of personal transformation at this point?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

What is the overall setting setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Oe choose to use these places in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in 1960s Japan when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,185 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample