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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. What is Delchef's native language?

2. Bird is going to make sure the baby has the operation for _____________ sake.

3. The person in #145 suggests that Himiko and Bird ______________________.

4. After talking to the person in #164, Bird realizes that he _______________________.

5. Bird confesses that he views the vagina and womb as __________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What outward signs in Bird's life indicate that he has made internal transformations?

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,104 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample