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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 does Sala dream about at the end of the story?

2. What types of stories did Junpei write?

3. How many days in a row did Satsuki go to the pool?

4. What does Katagiri see on the floor under Frog's body?

5. Who made arrangements for Satsuki's vacation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What crime was Satsuki a victim of?

2. How is Masakichi able to listen to music?

3. Who is Masakichi?

4. What does Katagiri see when Frog dies?

5. What dreams does Sala have?

6. How did Nimit learn English?

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

8. According to the soothsayer, what is inside Satsuki?

9. Who did Nimit take Satsuki to visit?

10. Why did Sayoko and Takatsuki break up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the emotions in this set of short stories are understated. Choose three stories to focus on, and explain how this is true. Why do you think Murakami made these choices?

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

Examine how Murakami portrays loneliness and the human desire for connection. Consider this theme in at least three stories.

(see the answer keys)

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