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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. Who wrote "To Build a Fire"?

2. Who is Mr. Tabata?

3. How long was Komura married?

4. What was Junko doing when Miyake called?

5. What did Komura's wife write in her note to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miyake say when Junko asks her to wake her up?

2. Describe Komura.

3. Why did Miyake never stock up on groceries?

4. Describe Yoshiya's final moments with Mr. Tabata.

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

6. Why does Miyake like fire?

7. Why does Yoshiya still live with his mother?

8. How does Shimao reassure Komura?

9. Why did Miyake call Junko?

10. What did Yoshiya pray for each night?

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

Examine how Murakami portrays loneliness and the human desire for connection. Consider this theme in at least three stories.

Essay Topic 3

Several people in Murakami's stories are described as "ordinary." In after the quake, what does it mean to be ordinary? What do the "ordinary" characters have in common? What do you think Murakami means by this?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 540 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample