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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 does Ono think about the spirit of the old floating world?

2. How does Ichiro respond to Setsuko's requests for him to settle down?

3. Why does Noriko say that Ono is making progress?

4. According to rumor, how did Sugimura assemble his garden?

5. What always makes Mrs. Kawakami smile?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Enchi ask Ono to leave when he learns who he really is?

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

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

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

6. What does Noriko accuse Ono of when he is working in the garden?

7. What does Shintaro ask Ono to do for him?

8. Why does Suichi become angry at Kenji's funeral ceremony?

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

10. After the surrender, one of the Sugimura sisters visits the house, obviously more concerned about the building than its inhabitants. Why doesn't Ono feel angry toward her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moriyama said that the floating world disappears with dawn and sobriety. His work was to try to capture and validate the beauty of that world. But the phrase "floating world" means more. What else does the phrase represent? Why do you think Ishiguro chose it for the title?

Essay Topic 2

We learn about Suichi's character through what he instructs Setsuko, what he wants for Ichiro, and the way he behaves when Kenji's ashes are brought home. Describe this young man based on textual evidence. Ono expresses the belief that Suichi has been "embittered." What embittered him?

Essay Topic 3

Twice in the story, authority figures burned Ono's paintings. Compare the two situations. Did they have the same purpose? Were they trying to help the young man or hurt him? How do you know? Use textual evidence to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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