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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 public opinion think of the possibility of war with America?

2. Why does Toshiko not want to buy the gas masks?

3. What happens with H's first shot?

4. What is considered "un-Japanese" at school?

5. What is the rumor going around H's school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Tripartite Alliance? According to Morio, how could it make things worse for Japan?

2. What is it about his instructors that disgusts H?

3. What do new members of the riding club at Second Middle School have to do that the older members don't? What do the older members get to do that the new members don't?

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

5. How are H and Mrs. Tazaki different?

6. How does H act selfishly in chapter 36?

7. Why is Japan continuing with the anniversary celebration despite the ongoing war with China?

8. How does H show his poor judgment in Chapter 28?

9. How does H demonstrate his resourcefulness in Chapter 5?

10. Why does H suspect that the Japanese army is the real enemy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who or what is the antagonist of the story? Provide examples to support your argument.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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