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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. In what country does Bird live?

2. What does Himiko want to do after the baby dies?

3. How does Bird feel after his sexual encounter with Himiko?

4. What makes the baby start to cry uncontrollably in the car?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of Bird scratching behind his ear after his tiny son does the same thing?

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

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

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

6. How are Bird and Delchef in contrast regarding their attitudes toward responsibility?

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

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

9. Who is Kikuhiko and how is he introduced to the story?

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

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,156 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample