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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. Why does Yoko speak slowly to the man with the stutter?

2. Why does Yoko hand deliver her manuscript?

3. Where does the ship on which Yoko, Ko, and Mother were on dock?

4. Why does Hideyo climb a tree instead of playing dead?

5. What is mother wearing in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think the geese Hideyo sees flying are a symbol of anything? If so, what?

2. In order to survive for as long as Hideyo has in the conditions he has endured, what character traits do you think he possesses?

3. Why does Yoko find it hard to believe that the corporal has found her and Ko?

4. How does Yoko feel when she disembarks the boat in Fukuoka?

5. How does Ko continue to demonstrate her survival instincts in Chapter 9?

6. What motivates Hideyo to press on as he struggles through the storm?

7. As Chapter 8 begins, Yoko feels that she has nothing except for one thing. What does she have?

8. Why do you think Yoko ponders that "it was strange that we did not think more of father, whom we loved dearly" instead of Hideyo?

9. Why do you think Yoko titled her essay, "Understanding?"

10. How do Yoko and Ko carry out the Japanese death ritual and show respect for mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ko and Yoko seem to escape or change their fate on many different occasions. Cite three specific opportunities, experiences, or events which allow them to continue living and change their circumstances.

Essay Topic 2

What historical events explain why the Korean Communists persecuted the Japanese? Are there any similar situations in history which have brought about a similar result?

Essay Topic 3

Despite all that Yoko endures, how is she able to maintain her identity throughout the book? What obstacles does she encounter? How does she overcome them?

(see the answer keys)

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