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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 Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," what is the main topic of the conversation between Natsuko and Rie?

2. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," what is Natsu's impression of the first poet who read his work at the event?

3. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," what makes Natsu feel like she could not join the club of people with kids?

4. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," what does Natsu learn about the male novelist during the party?

5. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," how does Natsu feel about sexuality and having a child at the end of the chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

4. 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?

5. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," examine the impact of Naruse's comment about Natsu being better off alone on her emotional state and self-perception. How does this comment shape her future decisions and outlook on relationships?

6. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition," explore the significance of Natsu's name, Natsuko Natsume, in the context of her identity and artistic journey. Analyze how her name reflects her connection to her mother's family and its impact on her writing and sense of self.

7. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," how does Natsu's focus on writing and research influence her ability to maintain a connection with Sengawa?

8. 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?

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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," analyze the perspectives presented in the symposium, particularly the presenter advocating for banning the commercialization of reproductive treatments to protect human dignity. Compare and contrast different viewpoints on whether donor conception can be morally justifiable or raises ethical concerns.

Essay Topic 3

In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?" analyze the contrast between perceptions of wealth and poverty regarding the idea of a nice big window or a garden view, and how the absence or limited availability of windows reflects the confined and restricted lives led by those in poverty.

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