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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. After Omi is expelled, the narrator's fantasies mentally play out in what location?

2. Why is it ironic that the narrator cannot swim?

3. At what age does the narrator write an essay that his later self deems as false?

4. Where does the narrator learn about heterosexual sex?

5. What is the name of the female magician who inspires the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the narrator unable to participate in gym class the day that Omi demonstrates how to use the bars?

2. Why does the narrator believe that his lack of interest in women may have to do with laziness?

3. What does the narrator do to appear to be heterosexual in front of his fellow classmates?

4. What physical actions does the narrator take in order to appear to be tough?

5. How does the narrator feel about the prospect of grabbing Omi during a game of Dirty?

6. Why does the narrator choose not to volunteer as a special cadet?

7. Describe the outfits the boys have to wear to school on "ceremony day"?

8. How is the grandmother affected when the narrator moves in with his father?

9. What is the reaction of his family when the narrator dresses up as the magician, Tenkatsu?

10. When the narrator writes an essay to analyze his feelings about Reni's "Saint Sebastian," what physical object does the narrator discuss and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a creative essay, analyzing what aspects of the narrator's life at school might have been different if he had chosen to reveal his true sexual identity.

Essay Topic 2

The imagery and metaphor of masks appear throughout the novel. Choose three examples of this type of imagery from the text and analyze its purpose in the story.

Essay Topic 3

Upon meeting Omi, the narrator is confronted with sexual feelings for the boy.

1) What intimate moment do Omi and the narrator share that begins their friendship?

2) What attracts the narrator to Omi?

3) How does this attraction affect the narrator?

(see the answer keys)

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