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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. How does Ono convince his wife that an investigation for the sale of the house is not a problem?

2. What had the wandering priest warned Ono's parents about him?

3. What does Ono like about the garden?

4. Why does Ono decide to watch Metsuo during the miai?

5. What kind of mistakes does Ono believe are not shameful?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mrs. Kawakami hesitating to decide?

2. Why is it unlikely that the Miyakes withdrew from marriage negotiations because they felt inferior?

3. What does Ono see as the result of his confession during the miai?

4. How does the Bridge of Hesitation get its name?

5. What does Ono conceal from Noriko in the weeks leading up to her miai?

6. What is surprising about Noriko's comments to Setsuko about Ono?

7. What is the difference in Noriko's behavior between her first and second miai?

8. Why does Ono's father burn his paintings?

9. How does Ono acquire his house for less than half its value?

10. How does Ono persuade the authorities that the Migi-Hidari should be built in the pleasure district?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

First, Shintaro calls Ono a traitor. Second, we learn about the artwork that has made him call his friend a traitor. Third, we learn of Matsuda's persuasive conversation that induced Ono to change his painting style, and fourth, we learn that the work resulted in his expulsion from Moriyama's tutelage. Analyze the way the clarity of the story is affected by this type of organization. Why do you think Ishiguro chose not to tell is story in simple chronological order? What effect does dealing with time in this way have on you as a reader?

Essay Topic 2

Young Miyake tells Ono what he believes is "the greatest cowardice of all." Later, Ono explains what he believes to be the greatest cowardice. Analyze the similarities and differences between their points of view. Do these stated opinions influence Ono? If so, how? Is cowardice or courage a matter of importance to him?

Essay Topic 3

What difference do you see in the way Ono interacts with his daughters and his grandson and the way Noriko describes his earlier behavior as a father? Do you trust her description? Do you think he has changed? Analyze Ono's development as a father based on his daughters' responses to him.

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