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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 did Tamori's wife supposedly do?

2. What is zosui?

3. What does H draw sketches of during a stop?

4. What happens when Toshiko injures her back during an air raid drill?

5. Where does Ishizuka live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What good news does H hear in chapter 44?

2. Why do Mr. Naito and Mr. Matsumoto help H graduate?

3. Is H's new job in Chapter 50 a good fit for him?

4. What is H's attitude towards school attendance?

5. Is Instructor Tamori a popular teacher at H's school?

6. What activities are part of the rifle club?

7. What changes occur in Kobe in preparation for the American forces?

8. Why does H object to his mother's act of charity in chapter 46?

9. How does H act selfishly in chapter 36?

10. Why is Yasuo's father not angry when the boys take the boat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

War breeds suspicion, paranoia, and distrust. In the novel, we see these concepts exhibited on a global scale as well as within the smaller confines of Kobe. Discuss how these concepts are intensified by:

a) The Japanese military

b) The newspapers

c) Rumors circulating Kobe

Essay Topic 2

The most dire situations can sometimes bring out the best in people. Discuss the theme of compassion as it relates to the story.

Essay Topic 3

As the war progresses people grow increasingly paranoid. Restrictions are put in place to hinder sabotage and spying. Those living in Japan who are not Japanese are looked at suspiciously. Discuss the plight of foreigners in wartime Japan.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 701 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample