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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 Noriko say Ono used to treat them?

2. What part of the house do Ono's daughters enjoy most?

3. What does Ono say about the movie that insults Ichiro?

4. How does Shintaro embarrass Mrs. Kawakami?

5. How does Mrs. Saito feel about the demonstrations in the streets?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Saito regard the demonstrations in the streets?

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

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

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

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

8. What prediction does Setsuko's mother make about her that is now proving accurate?

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

10. What tragic event happens to the mentally challenged Hirayama?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ishguro uses political diction when describing the art world. When a student artist went against his teacher's style, he was called a "traitor," and his work an act of "treachery." Such students were banished from the fellowship of their fellow artists. What does this type of language tell you about the social or political world in which Ono lived? Is art important for political purposes?

Essay Topic 2

We meet Taro Saito only briefly in this story, and yet Ishiguro establishes a clear personality for him through his actions and conversation. What do you know about Taro? How do you learn it? Analyze this character based on the information you have.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 776 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample