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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. When do Junko and Miyake agree to die?

2. What drew Kamura's wife to the television?

3. Where does the mysterious man lead Yoshiya?

4. What is the name of Komura's colleague?

5. Where does Yoshiya work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Mr. Tabata tell Yoshiya about his father?

2. Why does Sasaki want Komura to go to Hokkaido?

3. Describe Keisuke.

4. Describe Komura.

5. Describe Komura's wife.

6. How is Miyake able to paint?

7. What is the story about the UFO that the women tell Komura?

8. How did Komura's wife feel about Tokyo?

9. How does Shimao respond to Komura saying that he's come a long way?

10. What does the note Komura's wife left behind say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the emotions in this set of short stories are understated. Choose three stories to focus on, and explain how this is true. Why do you think Murakami made these choices?

Essay Topic 2

Compare Murakami's treatment of the earthquake's aftermath to other literature or media that deals with the aftermath of tragedies or disasters. What parallels can you draw? Use textual evidence to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Write about the theme of emptiness, comparing and contrasting at least two stories from the collection. What does emptiness represent? How does Murakami represent emptiness?

(see the answer keys)

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