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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. In Chapter 12, what does Otis equate suburban houses to?

2. In Andy's story, what does Edward vow to build once he makes it in New York?

3. What does Claire do for a living when she and Andy meet?

4. What is Mr Takamichi's most valuable possession?

5. What is the meaning of the Japanese phrase, "shin jin rui"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where are Andy, Dag, and Claire all originally from, and why does Andy say it doesn't matter?

2. In Chapter 12, what does Dag say about Scotty's Junction, Nevada?

3. What is the most prized possession of Andy's boss in Japan?

4. What are the rules for story time among Andy and his friends, and why do they need rules?

5. What does Andy tell us about Claire in Chapter 7?

6. Summarize the story Andy tells about a man named Edward in Chapter 9.

7. What does Buck ask each of the Monroe girls to do?

8. What does Andy slip into Dag's drink in Chapter 13?

9. What does Andy say about his parents' house in Chapter 15?

10. In Andy's story in Chapter 10, why is Miss Ueno upset?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Coupland's use of imagery. How does Coupland use irony to reiterate the themes of the novel? What is the meaning behind the imagery found at the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Coupland's use of symbolism. What are some examples of symbolism found in the novel? How does Coupland use irony to reiterate the themes of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the characters' hesitance with sharing their personal truths. How are the stories that Andy, Dag, and Claire tell one another only partly truthful? Why do these characters avoid sharing their personal stories with their closest friends? How do these characters grow in this regard as the novel progresses? By the end of the novel are these characters about to tell the whole truth, or do they continue to disguise the truth?

(see the answer keys)

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