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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 spending time with the narrator, Sonoko feels so guilty she plans to do what?

2. The narrator decides he will feel what if his family is killed in an air raid?

3. What confusing emotion does the narrator feel around Sonoko?

4. The narrator notices that, because of the war, Kusano's hands have become what?

5. In college, what does the narrator do to make others believe he is attracted to women?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the narrator is excused from the draft, what is he surprised to realize?

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

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

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

5. After the visitation with Kusano, what sight confronts the narrator on his train ride home?

6. Why does the narrator allow Chieko to kiss him?

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

8. On the train, what does the narrator do that makes Sonoko blush?

9. Why do the military doctors think the narrator has tuberculosis?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When the narrator loses his sister, he experiences true devastation over the loss of a loved one. This surprises him, as believed himself incapable of feeling true emotion because of a lifetime of masks. Write an essay taking a stand on whether the narrator ever truly lost himself because of the masks that he wore.

1) Why does the narrator begin wearing masks?

2) How do these masks distance him from real life?

3) Does the narrator ever really lose himself? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The narrator is surrounded by feminine influence, yet certain social cues teach him how a boy "should" act.

1) Who provides the narrator with these social cues?

2) What does the narrator do to act out his gender expectations?

3) In what ways does the narrator struggle against his gender identity?

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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