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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 was Shimao hiking with in her bear story?

2. According to Miyake, who is the idiot king?

3. Where does the mysterious man lead Yoshiya?

4. What did Komura read on the airplane?

5. Where was Miyake from?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Yoshiya's relationship with his mother.

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe Keisuke.

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

10. Describe Komura's wife.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the role of dreams for characters like Satsuki and Sala. What is the significance of dreams in this story? Describe the line between reality and imaginary in this book.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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