View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Bird's mother-in-law tells Bird not to tell his wife the truth about the baby because _____________________.

2. Why does the pediatrician shout at Bird?

3. Where does Himiko drive Bird after leaving his apartment?

4. Who owns the establishment in #163?

5. Himiko says that she will go to Africa with whom?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What reason does Bird give Himiko for taking the baby back to the hospital for the operation?

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

6. What does Bird's encounter with Kikuhiko point out to Bird?

7. What is the significance of the mention of the maps of Africa?

8. What word does Delchef write in the dictionary for Bird and what is its significance?

9. What is the symbolism of Himiko's repeatedly getting lost on the way to the clinic?

10. What positive encounter does Bird have with the second student from his class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kenzaburo Oe is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

A PERSONAL MATTER is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the role of the family in A PERSONAL MATTER. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is this family to most Japanese families living during the 1960s?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,281 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample