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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. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what does Natsu ask Midoriko after the awkward silence?

2. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what does Natsu notice about Makiko's appearance in the bathhouse?

3. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place in the World," why does Natsu cry when they cannot go grape picking as a child?

4. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what does the number of windows in someone's house signify, according to the text?

5. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," what is Natsu's current rent situation with the landlord?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's contemplation of the books on her bookshelf reflect her evolving perspective on literature and the canonical works she once revered?

2. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the amusement park setting serve as a contrast to Natsu's inner turmoil and emotional state?

3. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," how does the Chinese restaurant in the story symbolize a sense of community and inclusivity in Shobashi?

4. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about the concept of menstruation and the idea of becoming a woman with reproductive capabilities?

5. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about the man whose ex-wife returns after 20 years reflect the theme of societal expectations?

6. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," in Midoriko's journal entry, she contemplates the process of fertilization and the development of eggs. How does this reflection reveal her anxieties and concerns about womanhood, and what does it imply about societal expectations?

7. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what unusual communication method has emerged between Makiko and her daughter, Midoriko? How long has this been going on, and what are Makiko's thoughts and feelings about it?

8. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," who is Kewpie, and what role does he play in the community of Shobashi? Describe his appearance, personality, and the unusual way he makes a living.

9. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," what is the significance of Natsu's irregular menstrual cycle, and how does it reflect her changing perspective on life and time passing by?

10. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's encounter with Yamagu, now known as Chika Yamaguchi, at the Chinese restaurant evoke memories from her past? How does this encounter reflect the theme of unexpected reunions in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Two: Chapter 16, "Burning Up," Natsu revisits a place from her past and receives a surprising phone call from Aizawa. Analyze the significance of memory and nostalgia in Natsu's journey, and how these elements contribute to the development of the story and the relationships portrayed.

Essay Topic 2

In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," analyze the interactions between Natsu and her sister, Makiko, and their conversation about the rent situation. Discuss how the portrayal of the landlord's visit and Natsu's reflections on past financial difficulties shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living in expensive urban areas like Tokyo.

Essay Topic 3

In Book Two: Chapter 14, "A Stiff Upper Lip," discuss the complexities of Yuriko's feelings towards her abusive father and the conflict between a sense of duty to family and the need to protect her own well-being.

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