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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. According to Nimit, what does Satsuki need most?

2. What does Sala call the man in her nightmares?

3. When was Katagiri shot?

4. Where did Satsuki work for ten years?

5. Why do Junpei and Sayoko think Sala has nightmares?

Short Essay Questions

1. What dream does Satsuki have as she sleeps near the swimming pool?

2. Who is Masakichi?

3. Why did Frog choose Katagiri?

4. What crime was Satsuki a victim of?

5. What dreams does Sala have?

6. Why did Frog visit Katagiri?

7. What does the soothsayer reveal about the man in Kobe?

8. How is Masakichi able to listen to music?

9. What happened to Katagiri on February 17th?

10. How does Nimit describe Satsuki?

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

Consider the ways four different characters in this book cope with trauma. How does Murakami portray trauma?

Essay Topic 3

How does Murakami use music and literature as tools for characterization and theme exploration?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 491 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample