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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 happens on H's eleventh birthday?

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

3. Why are H and Yoshiko going on a train?

4. How does H afford to buy oyatsu?

5. According to Toshiko, why will Moiro most likely not receive his call-up papers?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does H feel about his teachers being called to the front?

2. Is H taking the right steps toward healing?

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

4. What signs of a deteriorating economy are evident in Chapter 15?

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

6. Why do Toshiko and H hide some things under the floor of their house?

7. According to Morio, why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor?

8. What makes H understand why Japan lost the war?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At various points in the novel the Senoh family members are separated from one another. Describe the circumstances surrounding these separations and explain how they affected the family.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast wartime Kobe with the countryside where H's family lives.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 755 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample