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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. When debating marriage to Sonoko, who does the narrator turn to for advice?

2. The narrator describes Mr. Ohba as being what?

3. What color does the sky turn following an air raid?

4. When Kusano is a soldier, what time does his family have to get up in order to visit with him?

5. What does the narrator study in college?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impresses the narrator about the refugees that he sees?

2. Why does the quote "The measure of a woman's power is the degree of suffering with which she can punish her lover" bother the narrator?

3. When the narrator learns Sonoko plans to leave town to avoid the air raids, how does he feel and why?

4. Why does the narrator offer to carry Sonoko's bag?

5. To get out of staying an extra day with Sonoko, what lie does the narrator tell her about his job?

6. In addition to being the first female the narrator feels capable of loving, what additional benefit does Sonoko offer the narrator?

7. When Sonoko confronts the issue of the break-up with the narrator, what does she want to know?

8. As the relationship between the narrator and Sonoko grows, why does the narrator struggle with "pangs of consciousness"?

9. How does the narrator feel after going to the brothel?

10. Why does the narrator decide suicide is a foolish option?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At an early age, the narrator is interested in other men. However, as a youth he does not attribute these feelings to be sexual.

1) What type of male influence does the narrator have in his life?

2) What masculine memories shape the narrator's life?

3) At an early age, why does the narrator hide this interest in other men?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

When the narrator ends his relationship with Sonoko, he continues to be haunted by her. Write a brief essay examining how the physical aspect of love interferes with the emotional love he feels for her.

(see the answer keys)

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