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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. What is Natsuki's most prized possession?

2. Why does Natsuki's family travel to the mountain house in Part II after all, changing their plans?

3. What does Mr. Igasaki tell Natsuki about the "lessons" he is giving her over the summer?

4. Who is the uncle who is always kind to the children at the mountain house?

5. What pledge do Natsuki and Yuu make to each other as children?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Natsuki feel about going to granny and grandpa's every year?

2. What refrain does Natsuki constantly repeat to her mother to please her?

3. What is really unusual about Natsuki's and Tomoya's marriage?

4. What is Yuu's problem with Mitsuko?

5. What do the adults always ask the children to do at the mountain house when they first arrive which is part of tradition?

6. What does Natsuki try to do right after her grandfather's funeral?

7. How does Natuski observe the dynamic between her mother and father?

8. What object makes Natsuki feel better when she is missing Yuu?

9. In Part II, what "lesson" does Mr. Igasaki give to Natsuki at his home?

10. In Part II, why does the family decide not to go to Akishina for Obon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What physical and emotional consequences does Natsui suffer as a result of Mr. Igasaki's abuse of her? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What reactions does Natsuki receive from nearly everyone she confides in about the abuse she suffers at the hands of Mr. Igasaki, and how does that affect her? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Murata demonstrate Natsuki's steady descent into a fantasy world, and what is the reason for this descent? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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