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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. Why isn't Ono able to understand Ichiro's imaginary talk?

2. What does Ono's father do with his paintings?

3. How does Ono describe Noriko and Setsuko?

4. How did Noriko upset Setsuko when they were children?

5. What does Mrs. Kawakami call the pleasure district since the war?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ono conceal his efforts on her behalf from Noriko during the weeks leading up to the miai?

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

3. Why does Ono lose respect for Shintaro?

4. Suichi says that American heroes are better role models for his son that Japanese heroes. Why would that be?

5. What is Mrs. Kawakami hesitating to decide?

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

7. Why didn't Ono object to Noriko's marriage into a family that was below their station?

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

9. Why does Enchi treat Ono in such a friendly way when he arrives to visit Kuroda?

10. How does Taro behave during the miai?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the personalities of Noriko and Setsuko based on their conversation and behavior. Remember that Ono comments on the character of the two girls. Do your observations agree with his?

Essay Topic 2

What do you see as Ishiguro's overarching theme in this story? Why did he write it? What is he trying to teach, and to whom? Consider the fact that the book was published first in English.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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