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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 did Yoshiya's ex-girlfriend used to call him?

2. What best describes Keisuke?

3. What did Keiko encourage Komura to do at the hotel?

4. Who comprises the majoirty of Komura's clients?

5. What does Yoshiya do on the pitcher's mound?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Yoshiya's predicament when he wakes up at the beginning of the story.

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

3. Why did Miyake never stock up on groceries?

4. How was Miyake connected to the Kobe earthquake?

5. Describe Komura.

6. What did Yoshiya pray for each night?

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

8. What does Mr. Tabata say about Yoshiya's mother's pregnancy?

9. How does Shimao reassure Komura?

10. What happens to Yoshiya at the end of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Some stories, like "super-frog saves tokyo," blend reality with surreal elements. Analyze how Murakami intertwines reality and fantasy to communicate deeper truths.

Essay Topic 3

Mr. Tabata says, "This life is nothing but a short, painful dream" (67). How does this relate to each of the stories in after the quake?

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