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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. How does Bird get to work the next day?

2. Himiko tells Bird that __________________ has resumed nuclear testing.

3. Who is visiting with Himiko when Bird arrives?

4. What is actually wrong with the baby as discovered by the physicians?

5. What does the baby do as Bird watches?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

8. What do Bird and Himiko do when told that the baby is nearly strong enough for the operation?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the internal conflict Bird feels about his life. Does he not want to be married? Does he not want a child? Does he really just want to run away to Africa and forget his responsibilities? Why did Bird engage in a relationship with his wife if he was not ready?

Essay Topic 2

There are only a few characters in the book who have names. Why does the author choose to name the characters he does? What point is the author trying to make by not giving names to the other characters? Why is it significant that the baby does not have a name until late in the story?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,334 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample