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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 was Komura actually thinking about while in bed with Shimao?

2. Who says that "life is nothing but a short, painful dream" (67)?

3. According to Yoshiya, who is his father?

4. During which month did the earthquake occur?

5. When do Junko and Miyake agree to die?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why did Miyake never stock up on groceries?

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

7. What joke does Shimao make about what's inside the package Komura delivered?

8. What did Junko learn about Miyake's family?

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

10. How does Shimao reassure Komura?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of bears in these short stories? Write about at least three of the bears featured in these stories.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the role of women in after the quake. Examine the text through a feminist lens, trying to find ways in which women advance the stories they are part of. How does Haruki Murakami approach women in these stories? What do you make of these depictions?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the theme of existentialism in after the quake. How does Murakami portray existentialism? What questions do the characters ask? Do they find resolution?

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