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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 is the direct location of the predicted earthquake?

2. Which character writes stories?

3. What medication does Satsuki take on the plane?

4. According to Takatsuki, who should Junpei marry?

5. Where did Nimit and Satsuki have their final conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What dreams does Sala have?

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

3. Who is Sayoko?

4. What happened to Katagiri on February 17th?

5. What thoughts does Satsuki have about the man who lives in Kobe?

6. Why did Frog choose Katagiri?

7. Who did Nimit take Satsuki to visit?

8. Why do Junpei and Sayoko want to take Sala to the zoo?

9. Who is Worm?

10. Why does Nimit tell Satsuki not to tell him her secret?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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

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