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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. That night, Bird awakens frequently from dreams in which ________________________.

2. Bird remains awake all night imagining that _____________________.

3. What does Himiko suggest to Bird regarding the baby?

4. The professor thinks that Bird's __________________ no longer fits him.

5. The content of the letter Bird received is notifying Bird of a meeting with ______________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Bird name the baby and how does Himiko know the name?

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

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

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

7. What is the content of the letter which Bird received at his job?

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

9. Why is Bird conflicted when Himiko's father-in-law says she and Bird should go to Africa?

10. What temporarily squelches Bird's desire for sex with Himiko?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Bird's life. What is his relationship with his son? What is his relationship with his wife? Have his dreams of going to Africa been completely squelched? What is Bird's state of mind? How does Bird feel about himself now?

Essay Topic 3

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

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