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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," what promise does Komi make to Natsu in the dream?
(a) Komi promises to visit her as a ghost after death.
(b) Komi promises to be a guardian angel for Natsu.
(c) Komi promises to stay with her forever and never leave.
(d) Komi promises to communicate with Natsu in various forms after death.

2. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", what does Natsu do after her editor's harsh criticism?
(a) She gives up writing and pursues a different career.
(b) She seeks advice from other editors and writers.
(c) She ignores the criticism and continued writing as before.
(d) She screams in frustration and decides to forget about the editor's comments.

3. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", what is Rie's view on the kidney situation?
(a) She will prefer to give the kidney to a stranger.
(b) She will not consider giving her kidney to her husband.
(c) She will only do it if there are no other options.
(d) She will gladly do it to save a life.

4. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," where is the reading event held?
(a) First floor of a small building near Jiyugaoka Station.
(b) Third floor of a compact building near Jiyugaoka Station.
(c) Fourth floor of a large building near Jiyugaoka Station.
(d) Second floor of a compact building near Jiyugaoka Station.

5. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," why does Natsu sneak out of the reading early?
(a) She feels too hot and uncomfortable in the crowded space.
(b) She wants to avoid the confrontation that occurred later at the party.
(c) She is disappointed with the quality of the readings.
(d) She has another appointment to attend.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," what do Natsu and her family do with the floral dresses when her mother and sister died?

2. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," why does the woman hesitate to tell Sengawa about the idea of getting pregnant from donated sperm?

3. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", why does Natsu's second book become a success?

4. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," what does Natsu offer to Midoriko and Makiko?

5. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," what do Natsu and Midoriko buy at the store?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," discuss the motif of uncertainty and its role in driving the narrative forward.

2. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition," examine Ryoko Sengawa's role in the protagonist's life and writing career. How does Sengawa's advice and encouragement impact Natsu's creative process and perspective on literature?

3. Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," discuss the atmosphere and interactions at the afterparty. How do the attendees behave, and how does the male novelist's conversation draw both support and criticism?

4. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," analyze Natsu's experience with the winter sunlight and its symbolic significance in the novel. How does the sunlight influence her emotional state and reflect her internal journey throughout the story?

5. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," analyze Natsu's emotional response upon reconnecting with Naruse after a long period of no contact.

6. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition," discuss Natsu's initial struggle with writing and how the success of her book marks a turning point in her career.

7. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," what internal conflict does Natsu face regarding the idea of donor conception?

8. Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," how does Rika Yusa challenge the novelist's claims and behavior? What does this confrontation reveal about the dynamics among writers in the literary community?

9. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," what significance does the late-night trip to the store with Midoriko hold in the story, and how does it affect their mother-daughter relationship?

10. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," discuss the impact of Natsu's research on sperm donation and fertility treatment on her thoughts and emotions.

(see the answer keys)

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