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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Ono believe that the Tortoise or Shintaro will never feel the sort of happiness he felt sitting on the hillside?
(a) They did not risk everything in an attempt to be extraordinary.
(b) They were not skilled enough craftsmen.
(c) They did not have the talent.
(d) They were prone to complain.

2. What does Ono say during lunch that frightens Ichiro?
(a) That he disapproves of Naguchi's solution.
(b) That he is not like Naguchi.
(c) That he had the same problems Naguchi had.
(d) That he is like Naguchi.

3. What kindness does Matsuda perform for Ono?
(a) Flowers sent during Ono's illness.
(b) Matsuda loaned Ono money.
(c) A letter of encouragement during Ono's illness.
(d) Matsuda recommended Ono to an art dealer.

4. What does Ono tell Ichiro about why men drink sake?
(a) For a little while, they can believe they're stronger.
(b) It makes a man stronger.
(c) It helps men see the beauty of the floating world.
(d) It separates strong men from weak women.

5. How does Setsuko think Saito felt about Ono?
(a) Setsuko thinks Saito was an admirer of Ono's work.
(b) Setsuko thinks Saito disapproved of Ono.
(c) Setsuko thinks Saito was rude to Ono.
(d) Setsuko thinks Saito had no idea who Ono was until the marriage negotiations.

6. What does Ono want to say to Moriyama if they meet again?
(a) Moriyama's assessment of his work had been correct.
(b) Ono was grateful for Moriyama's help.
(c) Ono had not had to illustrate comic books after all.
(d) Moriyama's teaching had helped him immeasureably.

7. How have the students behaved watching Moriyama paint?
(a) They asked him questions as he worked.
(b) They spoke as though he were not present.
(c) They told him they thought his painting was marvelous.
(d) They wrote critiques of each painting.

8. Why does Matsuda think the two men should not blame themselves for their earlier actions?
(a) They were too young to understand forces around them.
(b) Their actions had produced good results.
(c) They were fooled by charlatans.
(d) They acted on their beliefs and did their utmost.

9. What goal had Ono and Matsuda shared in the old days?
(a) Making a grand contribution to the war effort.
(b) Becoming world famous artists.
(c) Teaching the artists of tomorrow.
(d) Finding perfect wives.

10. What does the neighbor boy do when Matsuda speaks to him?
(a) He comes into the house.
(b) He chats with Matsuda.
(c) He runs away.
(d) He comes into the yard.

11. Why does Moriyama declare himself unsatisfied with his early work?
(a) He had been unskilled about the floating world.
(b) He had felt guilty about the pleasures of the floating world.
(c) He had been caught in the pleasures of the floating world.
(d) He had been unable to capture the essence of the floating world.

12. How does Ono feel about the future of Japan?
(a) There is a chance to make a better go of things.
(b) The best times are behind them.
(c) The destruction will never be forgotten.
(d) Their world is permanently ruined.

13. What is Ichiro's favorite food now that he is eight-years-old?
(a) Ice cream.
(b) Shrimp with rice.
(c) Pancakes.
(d) Spinach.

14. What is the last year covered in this story?
(a) 1952.
(b) 1949.
(c) 1950.
(d) 1947.

15. Why does the songwriter Naguchi commit suicide?
(a) He had a terminal illness.
(b) His songs had been used to promote war.
(c) No one had appreciated his music.
(d) His songs had been misunderstood.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Ono quit painting for such a long time?

2. Who does Matsuda claim has been blamed for Japan's downfall?

3. How does Ichiro try to be grown-up when he meets Ono in the park?

4. What news does Ono give Matsuda about Setsuko?

5. Why is Ono surprised at Setsuko's view of Noriko's marriage negotiation?

(see the answer keys)

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